FC Barcelona are ready to rival Manchester United in the pursuit of Dani Olmo, who is also courted by Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona have identified Dani Olmo as a prime target as the January transfer window gets underway. Coach Ernesto Valverde is keen on signing the youngster as part of his overhaul in the attacking department.
It is believed that Barcelona are ready to splash around £35 million in order to attain the services of Olmo. They are even willing to keep the forward at Dinamo Zagreb until the end of the campaign. However, the Catalans are expected to face stiff competition from a host of Premier League clubs including Manchester United.
The Red Devils would be keen on adding offensive reinforcements following an underwhelming start to the campaign that has seen them score only 32 goals, fewer than any other club in the top six. They have lacked the presence of someone, who can provide the creative essence going forward, with the team often appearing overreliant on the services of Marcus Rashford.
Hence, the addition of Olmo would provide a little bit of refreshment in the attacking unit. The Spaniard could be considered as a potential long-term replacement for Juan Mata, who, at the age of 31, is nearing the final stage of his career.
As for Barcelona, they, too, are in desperate need of reinforcements in the attacking department. Following the loan departure of Philippe Coutinho, the club from Catalonia have lacked the presence of a reliable, creative midfielder, who can create chances in the final third.
Ousmane Dembele has struggled with injuries while Ivan Rakitic hasn’t been able to make himself a first-team regular under Valverde. As for new signing Antoine Griezmann, he has been utilised in a more advanced role – leaving the Barcelona coach devoid of any creative midfielder, especially with Lionel Messi nearing the final stage of his career.
Re-signing Olmo, in that regard, could turn out to be a masterstroke. The youngster has already made an impression in the European Under-21 Championship last summer and is regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in Europe.
However, with so many clubs pursuing the Dinamo Zagreb playmaker, it could turn out to be difficult for Barcelona to get hold of him. Chelsea, in particular, would be desperate to sign some players after their transfer ban was lifted while clubs like Atletico Madrid and Spurs are also in the hunt for new creative players.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see the transfer battle that could take place for Olmo in this January transfer window.
