With Barcelona still jostling for the signing of a new right-back on the transfer deadline day, manager Xavi Hernandez has decided who he wants the club to bring in, reports Javi Miguel of AS.
The Blaugrana have been on the lookout for a new right-back all summer after parting ways with Dani Alves. With Xavi making it clear that he does not trust Sergino Dest, the requirement for a new player in the position is accentuated further.
Cesar Azpilicueta was the Catalans’ top target, but he signed a new contract with Chelsea. The next best option considered by Xavi was Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, whose signing was ruled out after he picked up an injury which will keep him out of action for two months.
It left Barcelona considering two other options in the form of Borussia Dortmund star Thomas Meunier and former La Masia trainee Hector Bellerin, who is out of favour at Arsenal.
The former was seen as the top target following Foyth’s injury. But Dortmund’s demands for the Belgian and his wage demands seemed to have become a hindrance.
However, as per Javi Miguel, Xavi has decided that he wants Barcelona to sign Meunier ahead of Bellerin on the transfer deadline day. The manager values the ex-PSG ace’s athleticism, experience and ability on the ball and wants him at Spotify Camp Nou.
Dortmund have been demanding around €15 million to sell Meunier, but Barcelona believe that they can drive the price down and agree a deal for a fee closer to €10 million.
It was believed that an injury to Mateu Morey had prompted the Bundesliga giants to block Meunier’s exit. But the report states that it is not the case and negotiations have continued between the two clubs over a transfer.
The only issue now would be La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations. But, the impending exits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Martin Braithwaite and Dest, who is headed for AC Milan, should free up space on the wage bill for Barça to accommodate Meunier’s contract.