Barcelona’s transfer plans have turned on its head in the last 24 hours or so.
Earlier, the club were expected to solely focus on Julian Alvarez and Rodri deals. But that equation has changed after the club reportedly agreed to loan out Ronald Araujo to Liverpool.
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Now, Barcelona must also look for a new centre-back, as Hansi Flick’s men are running thin when it comes to depth at the heart of the backline.
According to Victor Navarro, Barcelona are considering a move for Aymeric Laporte, in their bid to replace the departing Araujo.
Laporte enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
The club’s interest in the Athletic Club star is nothing new, as Laporte emerged on of Deco’s radar the moment he started performing well at the World Cup, alongside Pau Cubarsi.
Laporte is a left-footed centre-back who could flourish in a Barcelona system that lacks a proper ball-playing defensive partner for Cubarsi.
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Gerard Martin is an option Hansi Flick trusts, but he would ideally like to have a more experienced option competing with the young Spaniard. That is where Laporte comes into the fray.
Is the deal possible?
It is no secret that Laporte is keen on the prospect of joining a club like Barcelona, with his agent having already offered him to the Catalan club earlier in the summer.
It appears the former Man City star is looking to capitalise on his excellent World Cup campaign to earn a move to a big club.
Laporte is clearly not for sale. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
However, for Barcelona, agreeing terms with Laporte is one thing. But when it comes to an agreement with Athletic Club, things get a lot trickier.
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The two clubs do not have the best of relationships following the Nico Williams transfer saga in the last two years. Athletic Club, therefore, will be not too keen on selling another of their star player to Barcelona.
The Basque outfit have already slapped a whopping €80 million on the Spanish international, which is outrageous for a 32-year-old and a clear indication that the club are not interested in selling the player.
Keeping that in mind, it is unlikely the Catalans will be able to strike a deal for Laporte this summer, unless something extraordinary happens.
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