Barcelona accelerate plans for three transfers as Deco opens door to new defender

Barcelona are preparing to step up their transfer activity, with sporting director Deco working to complete three deals before the summer window closes and approving the pursuit of a new defender.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the club intends to move quickly in the remaining days of the transfer market as it seeks to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Deco is aiming to finalise the signing of Rodri within the next few days, while a decision on Julian Alvarez could be reached within 48 hours.

Barcelona have also given themselves the option of bringing in a high-level centre-back after Ronald Araujo moved closer to a transfer to Liverpool. The possible departure has increased the club’s need to reinforce the heart of their defence with a player capable of competing for a starting place.

The club’s current defensive options include Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia. However, manager Hansi Flick is keen to use Garcia as an alternative at full-back, which would further increase the importance of adding another central defender.

Romero and Laporte among defensive options

Cristian Romero is one of the names under consideration, although negotiations are expected to be difficult. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly seeking a fee of more than 40m euros for the Argentina international, while Arsenal, Inter and Atletico de Madrid are also interested in the player.

Aymeric Laporte remains another possible target for Barcelona. That option is also complicated, however, because of the relationship between the defender and his former club Athletic Club.

Barcelona have received offers involving several defenders, particularly from the Premier League. One potential route would be to sign a player on loan, but the club’s requirement is that any arrival must represent a significant improvement to the squad and be capable of challenging for a place in the starting XI.

The Catalan club are therefore assessing both permanent and temporary solutions as they attempt to complete their recruitment as soon as possible. The defensive situation has become a central part of their planning, with the expected departure of Araujo and Flick’s intention to deploy Garcia in a different role.

Barcelona’s wider objective is to conclude their outstanding business before the transfer window shuts. The club want to strengthen the team in time for the start of the new campaign and improve their prospects of competing for silverware.

Deco is consequently working on several fronts at once, with the proposed moves for Rodri and Julian Alvarez forming part of a broader effort to reshape the squad. A new defender could now be added to those plans, provided Barcelona can find an agreement that satisfies the financial and sporting conditions set by the club.