FC Barcelona are looking to sign a winger in the next summer transfer window and are considering a £51m player as an alternative to Marcus Rashford.
The shape of FC Barcelona's next summer window is beginning to emerge. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club plan to recruit a centre-forward, a central defender and a winger. Alessandro Bastoni is the Blaugranas' priority in central defence, after Deco held a positive meeting with his agent. The price, however, could prove a stumbling block.
For the centre-forward role, Julian Alvarez looks every bit the Spanish giants' number-one target. The club have reportedly set a ceiling of £85m for that deal. The Argentine striker appears open to leaving Atletico Madrid to join another European heavyweight, though the fee demanded by the Colchoneros could make things difficult for Barca.
Barca want more from Marcus Rashford
That leaves the question of the winger. According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga leaders are seeking a player capable of operating on both flanks in a super-sub role, covering for potential absences of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who are regarded as automatic starters.
On loan this season with a purchase option of £25m, Rashford looks the natural choice. However, the English attacker, who has made a promising start to his time at the club, must prove himself over the remainder of the campaign. He is well placed to be the man selected, but Barcelona expect him to perform at a higher level in the decisive matches ahead.
As such, the Catalan club are exploring other options on the wing and have now placed Pedro Neto on their shortlist. The 26-year-old Portuguese winger, who plays for Chelsea, is renowned for his pace and direct running. He can operate on either flank and even as a false nine, making his profile a very attractive one.
In this matter, the fact that Jorge Mendes represents the attacker is considered an advantage in negotiations, given the Portuguese super-agent's excellent relationship with FC Barcelona and Deco. For now, however, the Blaugranas are merely monitoring the winger, who is valued at £51m by Transfermarkt. The price tag could once again prove an obstacle, though Neto has a clause in his contract that would facilitate his departure should he wish to leave Chelsea.
