Noussair Mazraoui, who is in talks with several clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, reportedly wants a free transfer switch to Camp Nou in the summer.
According to SPORT, Barcelona have taken a step closer towards securing the services of AFC Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui, as the right-back is ready to snub interest from several clubs, including Arsenal, in favour of a switch to Camp Nou.
Noussair Mazraoui has become a man in demand in the transfer market as his contract with Ajax expires at the end of the season. The Moroccan international is all set to leave his boyhood club as a free agent in the summer transfer window, sparking interest from several clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Arsenal.
Barcelona are in the market for a new right-back amid uncertainties over the future of Sergino Dest, who is believed to be open to joining AS Roma in the summer. Dani Alves could sign an extension to continue his stay with the Blaugrana for another year, but he will turn 40 next year and needs his workload to be managed carefully. With Sergi Roberto also on his way out, Barcelona need a new right-back before next term.
The Catalans were strongly interested in signing Cesar Azpilicueta, whose contract expires this summer. However, it has since emerged that Chelsea can unilaterally trigger a one-year extension on the Spaniard’s current deal. It has forced Barcelona to look elsewhere, with Mazraoui now emerging as their top target for the right-back slot.
Barcelona have already prepared a contract offer for the 24-year-old. They have been speaking with his agent, Mino Raiola, to secure his services on a Bosman move. However, Arsenal are also keen on signing the Ajax defender and are negotiating with him over a possible transfer.
The Gunners are looking to sign a new right-back to provide cover and competition for last summer’s acquisition, Takehiro Tomiyasu. They want a more attack-minded option than the Japanese international, with Mazraoui’s style of play and his potential free agency appealing to the north London giants.
Along with Barcelona and Arsenal, Leeds United are also interested in the Moroccan, while AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also in talks to sign him. But, as per the report, Mazraoui has made up his mind over his future and is keen on moving to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The presence of Xavi Hernandez as manager and the recent improvements in their gameplay and results are understood to have played a role in the defender’s decision. So, with all parties wanting the deal to be done, it could only be a matter of time before Barcelona get their hands on Mazraoui.