Barcelona have included Josko Gvardiol, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi on a five-player shortlist of potential centre-back signings.
The Spanish champions want to bring in a new central defender in the summer, amid Ronald Araujo’s current absence to address mental health issues and Andreas Christensen’s expiring contract.
Barcelona want to sign a long-term partner for Pau Cubarsi and have the Premier League trio on their shortlist, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Guehi and Konate appear the most straightforward signings for Hansi Flick’s side, with each out of contract in the summer. Barcelona can approach either player on a pre-contract agreement in January, though will face competition from clubs across Europe. Liverpool saw a deal for Guehi collapse in the summer and are expected to renew that interest.
Gvardiol fits the profile of player Barcelona would like but looks a difficult deal to complete. The Croatia international is contracted to Manchester City until 2027, and is viewed as a key part of the club’s long-term future.
City signed the 23-year-old is a £77m deal from RB Leipzig in 2023, making him the second-most expensive defender in history. The Citizens are eager to tie Gvardiol, who has shone after moving back to a centre-back role this season, to a new deal.
Other names reportedly under consideration in Catalonia are Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck and Inter Milan’s Alessando Bastoni.
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