Barça are in talks to sign Dortmund's left back Raphael Guerreiro
Guerreiro, who only has 12 months to run on his contract, is seen as someone who could alternate with Jordi Alba next season
Barça are stepping up their search to find a left back which can offer Jordi Alba competition for a starting spot. Amongst a host of names on their wishlist, they are currenting speaking with Borussia Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro. The full-back only has 12 months to run on his existing deal and isn't expecting to sign an extension. A good opportunity to snap up a quality replacement for a cheap price but there's plenty of competition for the player's signature.
The original plan was for the club to sign someone on a free, such as Filipe Luis or Alberto Moreno, after heavily investing in Matthijs de Ligt. However, now that the Dutch centre back is expected to move elsewhere there's more money to spend on a left back. The Atletico Madrid man is willing to wait until July should Barça decide to bring him in before making a decision.
The club has been searching for the Bundesliga for a left back over the last two seasons. David Alaba was the first choice and almost joined Barça last year but the cost of the deal was too high. Now Bayern might be willing to let him go for around €60m but his wages would be expensive.
And then there's the Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro. Barça tried to sign him back in 2016 but he opted for Dortmund because he didn't feel he would play enough at the Camp Nou. Instead, they signed Lucas Digne. Guerreiro has improved at Dortmund and can even play further forward in midfield.
The two parties have been in contact for a few weeks over a potential deal. Guerreiro's deal expires in 2020 and he's told Dortmund he wants to leave.
Barça see him as the ideal candidate both for age and is being one of the few top tier left backs available on the market. Guerreiro's attacking work is fantastic but he still needs to improve defensively. Dortmund want around €25m for him but Barça believe, with a year left on his deal, that he could be signed for a lot less.
The negotiations are ongoing and Barça want the player to make a decision on his future as soon as possible. There are other candidates on the list but Guerreiro remains the first choice.
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