Barcelona have reportedly shortlisted Tottenham superstar Kyle Walker as one of the potential candidates in their pursuit of a long-term right-back in the summer.
London Evening Standard have reported that Barcelona are showing interest in Tottenham superstar Kyle Walker. The Spanish heavyweights have been scouring for a potential addition at the right-back position ever since the departure of Dani Alves and have shortlisted Walker as one of many transfer targets.
Kyle Walker’s rise to the top echelons of English football is well documented. From being a diminutive right-back with pace and potential, the player has now developed into one of the best right-backs in the Premier League at the present moment.
His contributions towards Tottenham’s attack is undeniable. Featuring in all but one of Spurs’ Premier League matches, the 26-year-old has gathered six assists to his name, good numbers for a marauding right-back. His displays brought about interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Manchester duo were linked with a double raid on Tottenham for their full-backs with the collective fee speculated to be around the £60 million mark. But, as was pointed out subsequently, Spurs are likely to demand that much for each of the duo – Kyle Walker and Danny Rose – separately.
Barcelona have been long searching for a permanent solution for their right-back problems ever since the departure of Dani Alves. Sergi Roberto looked to have transitioned into the role beautifully but recent matches have shown that even he might be frustrated at having to play out of position every game.
The injury to Aleix Vidal means Barcelona can sign a right-back outside the transfer window, owing to La Liga’s emergency signing rules.
The Catalans are being touted to sign Juanfran, who is contracted to Watford. But, it is speculated that Juanfran will still serve as a temporary addition and Barcelona would look to resell him in the summer, if possible. And they are searching for a player to add to the right side of the defence in the summer.
Barcelona have reportedly shortlisted many names, with the most prominent ones being Kyle Walker, Mario Gaspar and Djibril Sidibe; out of which Walker might be the most established option but the hardest to land. Gaspar does represent a player that is already well-versed with La Liga and the Catalans could go for him.
In Walker’s case, Barcelona are likely to have competitors, if Tottenham do decide to listen to offers for the 26-year-old, who has just signed a new five-year deal in the summer of 2016.
