Barcelona and Real Madrid battle over Sampdoria midfielder

The presence of a Barcelona scout at Luigi Ferraris was sure to draw attention, but according to reports by Il Secolo XIX he wasn’t there for Mauro Icardi, instead the Bluagrana representative was taking a look at Sampdoria’s Pedro Obiang.

A recent call-up to the Spanish Under-21 side has amplified attention on the Alcala de Henares-born midfielder, with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly interested in capturing his services.

Obiang made his Serie A debut in 2010 in a 3-3 draw against Juventus, and has since gone on to make 56 league appearances for the Genoa based club.

Reports indicate that Barcelona are keen to acquire the 20-year-old Spanish youth international, but with a contract that runs until 2015 the Catalan club will have to match Sampdoria’s valuation if they want to get his signature.

Additionally, Barcelona are not the only club to be following Obiang, with rumors suggesting that rivals Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation. However it currently appears that the Bluagrana are in the lead in the race to sign him.

Obiang’s recent form has captured the attention of more than the two Spanish clubs – with call-ups at the youth level from both Gabon and Spain, there seems to be no lack of interest in the Blucerchiati’s player.