Barcelona have raised many eyebrows in the transfer market this summer by reaching an agreement with Newcastle United to sign Anthony Gordon.
The Englishman has already passed his medical and is set to sign imminently. Gordon’s signing is likely to be followed by Bernardo SIlva, who is available as a free agent.
Barcelona, though, are far from done and are now looking to shore up their ranks in the defensive unit.
Barcelona eye move for Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City star
Josko Gvardiol is a star at Man City. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
According to COPE, Barcelona are actively working on a move for Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, who has been identified as a priority defensive target for the coming season.
The Croatian international is viewed as the ideal profile for what Hansi Flick is looking for at the back.
His versatility to play as both a centre-back and a left-back makes him an extremely attractive option, and the club believe he would fit seamlessly into Flick’s system given his ability to play out from the back and operate in a high defensive line.
However, the operation could be financially complex. Manchester City have no desire to sell one of their key defensive assets, and any negotiation is expected to be difficult and costly.
How will Gvardiol fit in at Barcelona?
The addition of Gvardiol into the Barcelona defensive setup could go a long way in boosting the solidity at the back for Hansi Flick’s men.
As a left-footed ball-playing centre-back, Gvardiol can partner Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the Barcelona backline, offering stability and balance to the team.
Not to mention, the Croatian international can also operate as a left-back, making him a valuable alternative to someone like Alejandro Balde or Joao Cancelo.