The last summer transfer window was a pioneering one for Barcelona. Such has been the impact of new signings like Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha that the Catalan club are set to lift the La Liga trophy in the weeks to come.
One player who has not opened his wings completely, however, is Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has had no shortage of minutes this term, but the manager has failed to give him continuity in the centre-back position that appears to have been agreed upon.
Given the squad’s acute shortage of options at right-back, Kounde has been forced to operate in the foreign role. Thus, there is a string of hope ahead of the next season that a new signing can take over as the full-time right-back and liberate the French international.
According to reports from Gerard Romero, three names highlight the Catalans’ list of possible signings.
The first on the list is Juan Foyth, who at the moment appears to be the top target. The Argentine international is viewed in high regard at the club offices for his ability both offensively and defensively and his transfer would be a dream acquisition.
However, FFP complicates the matter. Foyth is contracted with the Yellow Submarines until the summer of 2026 and his release clause stands at a mighty €54 million. That figure, as it stands, could be difficult to reach for Joan Laporta’s club.
Romero has not revealed the name of the second player being scouted by Barcelona but has mentioned that the defender is neither Spanish nor plays in La Liga. Names like Joao Cancelo and Thomas Meunier fit the bill on this front and have been linked with the Catalans in the recent past too.
The final name on the club’s agenda is Arnau Martinez, although there is not much consensus on his profile within the administration. The 20-year-old Girona right-back has six goal contributions in 27 La Liga appearances this season and averages over ten defensive actions per game.
The former La Masia trainee would be a cheaper option as he as a release clause worth €20 million and his familiarity with the system would make his integration easier.
Given the economic crunch Barcelona are in, they could focus on Martinez as a real option. However, Atletico Madrid are already in negotiations to sign the defender, and hence Barça must decide quickly.
