AdminIn the hopes of reinforcing the team while not shelling out an exorbitant amount of money, Barcelona are, yet again, taking a dive into the free transfer market in the summer.
They have previously signed multiple players on a Bosman move in the last two odd years. Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Franck Kessie, Hector Bellerin, Sergio Aguero, Andreas Christensen, to put faces to the idea.
Currently, the club is looking at a few more players in an attempt to add depth to the squad. Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez is an option for central defence, while the club is also reportedly monitoring Marcus Thuram.
Elsewhere, in midfield, the focus is on a certain Ilkay Gundogan. With his Manchester City contract expiring in the summer, the German could leave the Premier League on a free transfer.
SPORT have reported that Barcelona are in advanced negotiations with Gundogan to join the club in the summer. The player is very highly rated in the Catalan coaching staff, with Xavi an admirer of his versatility in midfield.
The Barça manager believes that Gundo can play as an advanced midfielder, or even at the base of the midfield as a double pivot.
In the past, the 32-year-old has also been deployed a false 9 by Pep Guardiola for his goalscoring prowess.
Manchester City want Gundogan to continue with them for another year, at least. However, the player is a Barcelona fan and has always wanted to play at the club. The report also says that his wife wants to leave England as soon as possible.
Barcelona are ready to offer Gundo a two-year deal, but any agreement is subject to their financial fair play restrictions. Any deal ahead of the summer could be stalled if the Catalans are unable to reduce their wage bill by at least €200 million.
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