Barcelona have reportedly identified three primary targets to replace Junior Firpo if he moves to Inter Milan in a part-exchange deal for Lautaro Martinez.
The Spanish giants have been exploring ways to finance a move for Argentina star Martinez amid the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Instead of meeting the 22-year-old’s £97million release clause, they have bid €70million (£62million) plus Junior Firpo – who is valued at €41million (£37million) – according to reports from Spain.
If the deal is accepted, Barcelona will need to recruit a new left-back to provide cover for Spanish star Jordi Alba, 31.
And they have already drawn up a list of targets from across Europe to replace Junior.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Juan Bernat, Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico are considered the prime targets, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Lionel Messi would welcome the chance to play with Argentina teammate Tagliafico at club level, while Bernat has only one year remaining on his contract.
The trio are all seasoned performers on the Champions League stage, while Barcelona have also identified two left field options in Angelino and Pervis Estupinan.
Angelino re-signed for Manchester City last summer but was loaned after six months to RB Leipzig, where he has rekindled his career.
Meanwhile, Estupinan has impressed for Osasuna this season while on loan from Watford.
Despite identifying replacements, Barcelona are loath to lose Junior just one season after signing him from Real Betis.
The 23-year-old has made 17 appearances this season, scoring once, since his £16.2million move last summer.
However, Barca are aware Inter are looking for a left-back – as they are also linked with a move for Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso – and will do what it takes to land Martinez’s signature.
Barcelona return to action next Saturday as they face Real Mallorca in the returning Spanish top-flight.
SOURCE:- allfootballapp
Share your thoughts