Barcelona are far from finished this summer after confirming the signing of Chelsea target Jules Kounde on Thursday.
The Blues were very keen on signing Kounde but, for the second time this window, lost out on a top target to Barcelona.
Manchester United shirt-stirring over De Jong as transfer hope reportedly grows
Raphinha also joined the Blaugrana this month after the west Londoners had a bid accepted by Leeds United for the Brazilian winger.
The La Liga giants are looking to add to Chelsea’s misery by signing Marcos Alonso and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Both players are reportedly keen to move to Catalonia as Xavi looks to bolster his defensive options.
Catalunya Radio have reported that Kounde will not be Barcelona’s final signing of the summer window and Gabriel Sans (both via Managing Barca) has picked out Azpilicueta, Alonso and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva as their remaining targets.
Xavi has been on the search for a new back-up left-back and Alonso could be a relatively cheap option.
Bernardo would certainly not be a cheap option. City reportedly value the Portuguese playmaker at €80million.
He has been excellent since moving to England from Monaco in 2017, though his time in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI has been quite inconsistent.
Last season was arguably his best for the Citizens as he gained many plaudits for his terrific performances, particularly during a run of form in November and December last year.
Silva would be Barcelona’s most expensive addition of the summer should they complete the signing.
They have already signed Raphinha, Kounde and Robert Lewandowski for around £140m. Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen – from Chelsea – also joined on free transfers.
While it would be surprising if City are open to selling Silva, if they receive an appealing offer, it will likely be considered.
And according to French outlet L’Equipe (also via Managing Barca), the Premier League champions have ‘offered’ the 27-year-old to Barcelona for €80m.
However, Barca are unlikely to make an offer to sign Silva as long as Frenkie de Jong is at the club.
De Jong is, as you already know, a top target for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have reportedly agreed a fee with Barca for the Dutch midfielder, however, he has no desire to leave the club.
Whether or not his belief that he belongs in Barcelona is down to footballing reasons remains to be seen.
Despite the fact the La Liga side have been spending big in the summer window, they are believed to owe De Jong £14-17m in deferred wages.
If the 25-year-old gets back the money he is owed, it could be a different story and United may well get their man.