Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention towards Belgian full-back Thomas Meunier following Cesar Azpilicueta’s snub.

According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona have returned to the market for Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier. The 30-year-old Belgian international was on Barcelona’s radar in January earlier this year, but the Bundesliga club blocked the move.

Thomas Meunier joined Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and has since made 60 appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring three times and assisting seven goals in the process. However, the Belgian international has not been a regular starter for the Black and Yellows due to injury issues.

The 30-year-old missed all of the second half of the 2021/22 season due to a torn tendon, managing just 17 Bundesliga starts in total. Knee inflation and a torn muscle had also restricted his participation in the preceding campaign, where he also started just 17 league matches.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have been on the lookout for a right-back since last year. They had re-signed club legend Dani Alves on a short-term basis, but his contract expired this summer, leaving Barcelona short-staffed in the department again.

Set to join Barcelona? (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Set to join Barcelona? (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta was the top priority for the spot for Barcelona, and he was an attractive option as he had just a year remaining on his contract. However, the Blues have managed to tie their club captain to a new contract, leaving Barcelona scouring the market for other options.

Meunier, who was on the Blaugrana’s transfer wishlist this January, is now a summer target for the Catalan club. The Belgian international had recently talked about Barcelona’s interest in him and how Dortmund blocked his move.

“It could have been… Barcelona were looking for a reliable right-back for an affordable price, given their financial situation. I fit their profile. I have proven that this season. But when Dortmund called me about the offer they received from Barcelona, it immediately sounded like, ‘Sorry. you can’t leave,’” he said in an interview in April earlier this year.

Barcelona are hoping that Borussia Dortmund’s asking price for Meunier will be reasonable as they look to add a few more players to their squad before the summer transfer window slams shut.

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