Barcelona seek final defensive piece as Manchester City double swoop takes shape

Barcelona are preparing for a decisive stage of their summer rebuild, with sporting director Deco aiming to complete deals for Manchester City pair Rodri and Julian Alvarez within the next 48 hours while also pursuing a high-level centre-back.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona hope to finalise Rodri’s move by Wednesday at the latest. A deal for Argentina international Alvarez could follow within two days as the club look to strengthen their squad before the new season begins.

However, the departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool has created an urgent need in central defence, and Deco has given the go-ahead for Barcelona to pursue a world-class replacement.

Negotiations with several potential targets are already under way. With only three weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, the club’s current plan is to add one final defensive reinforcement before the end of the month.

Alvaro Cortes, a player from Barcelona’s academy, is being considered as an internal alternative. The club would only rely on him, though, if a genuinely attractive opportunity in the transfer market fails to emerge.

Without Uruguay international Araujo, Barcelona would begin the season with Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia as their central defensive options. Head coach Hansi Flick also wants to use Garcia as a left-back option, providing additional cover for Jules Kounde.

Romero leads defensive shortlist

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is Barcelona’s leading defensive target. Argentine sources, however, are sceptical that an agreement can be reached at this stage.

Romero has received interest from Arsenal and Inter Milan, while talks with Atletico Madrid are understood to be at an advanced stage. Tottenham Hotspur are demanding slightly more than 40m euros for the defender and have categorically ruled out a loan deal.

Romero would prefer a move to Barcelona, and his representatives have been informed about the players who could leave the Catalan club. Despite that preference, no concrete step has yet been taken, meaning Barcelona could run out of time in their attempt to complete the transfer.

Laporte deal carries complications

Another prominent option is Aymeric Laporte, the Spain international defender at Athletic Club. His representatives claim that the release clause in his contract is relatively low, but the Basque club has strongly denied that assessment.

Barcelona are reluctant to enter another complicated negotiation with Athletic Club, particularly after relations between the two clubs were seriously damaged by the Catalan side’s attempt to sign Nico Williams earlier last summer.

If Barcelona can establish that Laporte is available through a clearly defined clause and determine the exact price, they may submit a formal offer. At present, however, the situation appears capable of creating obstacles that could prevent the transfer from progressing.

The club has also received a number of proposals involving defenders, especially from the Premier League. Some of those players could become available on loan towards the end of the window.

Flick and Deco have set strict conditions for any signing. Barcelona will only proceed if the player arrives on financially favourable terms and is capable of competing strongly for a starting place in the team.