Barcelona are determined to sign a new left winger before the summer is out. Ilkay Gundogan’s impending departure means that Dani Olmo is more likely to play centrally, and as such, an left-sided option would be necessary.
Breaking: Barcelona will try to sign Rafael Leão before the transfer window closes. The operation is complicated, but it's believed that Jorge Mendes could play a key role and facilitate things for Barça. Leão would love the move to happen. @ffpolo 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/OVKhgKVkL6
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 20, 2024
Nico Williams is a no-go for this summer, with that saga now appear at its end. Other targets have already been identified, with one of those being AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. On Tuesday, it was reported that Barcelona were planning a move for the Portuguese superstar, although these efforts are surely about to end before they’ve even started.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport), Milan would not necessary Leao’s departure, instead referring any club to his release clause: €175m. Even the ever-optimistic Joan Laporta would have to accept that this would be an impossible signing.
However, Barcelona are making advances in their pursuit of Federico Chiesa, who’d be a low-cost alternative. The Juventus star is currently best-placed to be the newest winger to join the Catalan giants, and he’d be available for only €14m.
Chiesa could be a bargain for Barcelona at that price. Club bosses can’t really go wrong at signing him for that price, although they will surely be doubts about his injury record over the last few years.
