Barcelona and Real Madrid eye Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui

Morocco international and AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is emerging as a sought-after name ahead of the next transfer window.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, and RB Leipzig have all expressed interest in the promising midfielder.

According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona are preparing to challenge Real Madrid for the signature of the 23-year-old, who is being viewed as a potential market opportunity due to his limited involvement at Roma.

El Aynaoui only joined the Italian side from RC Lens at the start of the season, but has struggled for consistent minutes under Gian Piero Gasperini, making only sporadic appearances in Serie A.

Barcelona’s interest is also being shaped by uncertainty around Marc Casado, who is reportedly weighing up a departure in search of more regular playing time.

The Catalan club see El Aynaoui as a midfielder capable of adding physical strength and technical balance alongside Pedri in their midfield structure.

Real Madrid are also keeping a close watch on developments, while RB Leipzig are said to have already made an initial move to test Roma’s stance.

The Moroccan, who impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations, is valued at around €20 million, a figure that has placed him firmly on the radar of several top European clubs.