Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has reportedly emerged as a possible transfer target for Barcelona.
The 22-year-old has starred for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the competition, making five appearances against Croatia, Belgium, Canada, Spain and Portugal.
Ounahi featured for the full 120 minutes against Spain in the round of 16, while he also played the whole game against Portugal on Saturday, with Morocco winning 1-0 to advance to the final four, where they will take on France on Wednesday night.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been impressed by the midfielder's performances at the competition in Qatar and view him as an alternative to Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.
The report claims that the Catalan outfit are confident that they could sign him in a low-cost deal in January despite his recent performances for his country.
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The Moroccan joined Angers from Avranches in 2021, and he has represented his current side on 47 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.
This term, meanwhile, Ounahi has made 14 appearances in France's top flight.
Anges president Said Chabane has lavished praise on Morocco's performances at the World Cup and also hinted that he would be open to discussing possible sales in January.
"We did not expect it, they are living a dream while awake. It is exceptional for them first, it is exceptional for Morocco, and then for all African countries. It is a source of pride for us as well," Chabane told RMC Sport.
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"We are preparing for everything, we had a meeting this afternoon with the coach and the sports coordinator to try to weigh all possible scenarios and not end up in the water if it were to happen. You know very well that you can never stop a player who wants to leave."
Chabane also said that he was "not surprised" by Ounahi's form in Qatar.
"No, no. He is someone who is full of talent. When you look at him physically, you say to yourself that he's not going to get very far, but he has a chest, he runs a lot, he has an exceptional touch, a good vision," he added.
"So no, I'm not surprised by what he's doing at the moment. When he has space and gets to express himself, he does what he wants with the ball."
The central midfielder's current deal with Angers is due to run until June 2026, having only signed an extension with the French club last August.
Matt Law
