Barcelona are reportedly looking at former Chelsea man Filipe Luis, also a target for Arsenal, to shore up the left side of their defence.
Spanish publication Don Balon are of the opinion that Ernesto Valverde has made reinforcements at the left-back slot a priority for the January transfer window. Former Chelsea superstar Filipe Luis, who is a target for Arsenal, could be set for a move from Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona looking to strengthen their left side.
Filipe Luis has found himself at home at Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian had a brief one-season spell at Chelsea and while he did achieve two trophies with the Premier League giants, he returned to Los Rojiblancos, who chose to buy the player back again after a single season.
But, after amassing 304 appearances for Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian is pondering over his future at Atletico Madrid. A major reason behind it is the emergence of Lucas Hernandez, with the Brazilian having to share game time with the World Cup winner. Filipe Luis though, does not have a dearth of interest in his services, with Barcelona joining Arsenal in pursuit of the veteran.
Arsenal have been riddled by injury to Sead Kolasinac, which has seen Unai Emery deploy Nacho Monreal on the left side. While Monreal is an able customer on the left, the Spaniard has reached a certain age and is also nearing the end of his Gunners contract.
Barcelona, on the other hand, do not have any experienced option beyond Jordi Alba, who has not been his usual self at club level for a while now. The Catalans have been looking at Nacho Monreal as a bargain option, but Filipe Luis can emerge as a better one.
Luis is already settled in Spain and is more experienced in Spanish football. The veteran, like Monreal, is in the last year of his Atletico Madrid contract and could be open to a move to Barcelona.
The reigning league champions though, are not just looking at Filipe Luis. Nacho Monreal and Jose Gaya are both options for Ernesto Valverde, with the Catalans likely to go for one of the three in January.
Filipe Luis might have to choose between a return to Premier League football or punching up within La Liga – an interesting choice indeed.
