Barcelona have two alternatives to Arsenal's Hector Bellerin
Robert Fernández has scoured the market in search for a new right-back
Henrichs and Azpilicueta have emerged as two options for Barça this summer
Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has never hidden the fact a right-back is a priority this summer. Dani Alves' departure obliged Barça to convert Sergi Roberto into a defender and Luis Enrique's side have suffered in this area.
The club will invest an important amount of money to ensure they get the right player. The objective was, is and continues to be Arsenal's Hector Bellerin. But it's complicated. For that reason, Barça are also looking for alternative options.
In that regard, two names have come up. Bayer Leverkusen's Henrichs and Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta.
HOMEWORK
Robert has spent months scouring the market for a right-back. Both he and the club's various scouts have seen an incredible amount of games. They are now monitoring the most interesting options.
One of them is Benjamin Henrichs. He has been followed in numerous Bundesliga and Champions League games this season. Attacking, aggressive and with good technique, he would fit in well at the club. Recently turned 20, he is already a German international and Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also interested.
Germany boss Joachim Low said that he is the most improved player in the Bundesliga. His price would be around 20 million euros, but it could go up if the likes of Bayern and City convert their interest into a bid. A bidding war, then, could not be ruled out, complicating matters.
Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta's people do not deny that Barça have shown interest. But there's been nothing more than that. At 27, the Spain international has become a key player for Chelsea and renewed his deal until 2020 last December.
He is happy in London, but would be open to offers from the Blaugrana. His price would be more than 20 million euros. Barça like his versatility and feel he would provide cover across the back four, in addition to slotting in at right-back. In May, the Catalan club will have to decide which right-back they move for if a deal for Bellerin doesn't come off.
