The center of the defense was the only area of their team that FC Barcelona did not reinforce in the last summer transfer window, and this has already cost the Catalans early in the 2026-27 season. For the last few games, Hansi Flick has been left with a very small number of first-team defenders due to injuries. In fact, for the last game against Alaves, he had to field two midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas, as center-backs.
In such a context, [Flick recently confirmed in a press conference that the Blaugrana club was working towards the signing of a new defender in January](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/flick-confirms-barcelona-are-exploring-defensive-signing-ahead-of-january-window/). For now, it remains to be seen whom, if anyone, will be signed, but Barcelona have mainly been linked with some experienced top-level names, including the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni, and Lisandro Martinez.
Meanwhile, some young talents have also been linked with them. One of these has been the German defender Finn Jeltsch. Now, as [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261102/1004246109/central-portugues-18-anos-punto-mira-barca.html) has noted, the Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Barcelona scouts were present in the Portuguese league game between Porto and Estoril to watch the young defender Jordan Arnolin, who made his debut for the Estoril first team.
The report goes on to claim that the Catalans are closely watching the 18-year-old defender, who played as a defensive midfielder in the above mentioned game, as they are quite impressed with his versatility and his rapid development in recent months. In fact, the Blaugranes have been monitoring him since he was a part of the U-18 Portuguese team, though he has now progressed to the U-19 team.
Other notable clubs from across Europe are also monitoring the youngster, including the Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion and the Ligue 1 side Lille. Going forward, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will make a move for Jordan Arnolin in the winter or decide to bet on another, more experienced option.