While Barcelona are on the cusp of retaining their La Liga title, the Catalan giants are also pushing ahead with their summer transfer plans.
According to SPORT, Barcelona are stepping up their effort to sign Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu.
The Blaugranas are looking to reinforce their backline this summer, and Ratiu is one of several defenders on their extensive shortlist.
The 27-year-old is considered one of the finest full-backs in the Spanish top flight, and Barcelona want to snap him up this summer.
Ratiu is seen as a long-term replacement for Jules Kounde, with the Barcelona star back on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Kounde was linked with a move to Chelsea a few years ago. While the move never materialised, the France international has been tipped for a move to the Premier League once again.
Kounde has been a standout performer for Barcelona, but the club’s lack of depth in that position has been a problem for manager Hansi Flick.
While bolstering that position is a priority, Barcelona are also wary that the allure of playing in the Premier League may be too good for Kounde to turn down.
The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring his situation, and Barcelona may be forced to make a difficult decision if a major offer arrives.
That’s where Barcelona’s interest in Ratiu comes in. The Romanian defender has made 44 appearances across all competitions for Vallecano, notching a goal and three assists.
Ratiu has also created 10 big chances while averaging 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes. He’s energetic going forward, solid in defence, and one of the most consistent performers in the Vallecano squad.
Ratiu still has four years on his contract, so the La Liga side are under no immediate pressure to sell.
Vallecano values Ratiu at €25 million. It shouldn’t be a problem for Barcelona, but they’ll need to find a way around their ongoing financial turmoil to get a deal over the line.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also ramping up their interest in Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero.