No Foyth, no Azpilicueta – Barcelona decide on new right back

Suraj Radia

30 Aug 2022 13:35 CDT
4 min read

Xavi on the Barcelona touchline. — © ProShots

Barcelona are looking to close out their transfer window with a new right-back and they appear to have landed on a target after missing out on Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Foyth.

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Barca have already spent more than €150 million this summer despite their transfer concerns but reports have claimed the club have told La Liga that they expect three players to join and at least five to leave.

One of those incomings could be Thomas Meunier, with Barca having identified the Dortmund right-back as their new target.

The player is keen on the move but agreeing a deal with Dortmund could be a stumbling block, with the German side also having told Manchester United earlier in the window that the Belgian was not for sale.

Barca had previously wanted Azpilicueta but the 33-year-old opted to extend his contract with Chelsea, while Villarreal's asking price, combined with a new injury has seen a move for Foyth ruled out.

Should Dortmund prove to be unwilling sellers, Barcelona are believed to be lining up Arsenal's Hector Bellerin as an alternative, with the Spaniard free to leave the Emirates after a successful loan spell at Real Betis last year.

Will Barcelona continue to spend going into deadline day?

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is likely to join Barcelona and he, along with Meunier or Bellerin are thought to be two of the three players the club want in before deadline day.

The other player is believed to be Bernardo Silva, however Manchester City have publicly stated that the midfielder is not for sale and will not be leaving this summer.

Silva, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, sees Barcelona as his dream club and is keen to join but he is respectful of City's stance and has not asked to leave.

City would not consider selling for anything less than £80m and Barcelona appear to be priced out of a move but the club have shown this summer that they rarely take 'no' for an answer.

Pierre Aubameyang deal. Meeting ongoing with Barcelona and Chelsea still discussing on deal structure and final fee. Negotiations entering into key stages. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Marcos Alonso also discussed as he only wants to join Barça, no other option - personal terms agreed since April. pic.twitter.com/nGE60oKuxM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2022

A lot of Barca's incomings could depend on the outgoings, with Memphis Depay now likely to stay at the club following the collapse of his move to Juventus.

Barca and Chelsea are still in negotiations over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but a deal is proving difficult, with personal terms and a fee still yet to be agreed.

Frenkie de Jong is still also being chased by Chelsea but the Dutchman's complicated issues surrounding his unpaid wages may complicate the move.

With fringe players such as Martin Braithwaite, Miralem Pjanic and Sergino Dest also being touted for exits by the club, Barcelona are likely to have a busy end to the transfer window.