The priorities of FC Barcelona this summer are relatively more clear than recent windows. Now possessing a somewhat respectable transfer budget it would seem, Barça have their sights set on some key arrivals. While departures will be crucial as well, the main excitement at Barcelona is all about the possible signings.
The two names that are constantly spinning the media around at the moment are Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. Previously, it has been reported by several sources that Barcelona wishes to acquire both players simultaneously this summer. However, as one would expect, that will not be a cheap endeavor.
Yet, besides just the attacking targets, it must be remembered that Barça initially gave priority to the arrival of a new pivot for the team. Names such as those of Joshua Kimmich and Amadou Onana were originally linked, but they are now seen as being beyond Barça’s reach.
That is why, according to SPORT, another low-cost alternative has now resurfaced. N’golo Kante, now aged 33, is one of the targets that Barcelona is possibly assessing at the moment and considering bringing in following his impressive recent performances.
While some would have argued before the European Championship that Kante is well past his prime, his recent tournament clearly changed that perception. At the moment, the Frenchman plays for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, but Barcelona are looking for a way to bring him back to Europe.
Ideally, the Catalan club would reportedly want to do that as a loan deal at first. Unfortunately, Kante’s current club is not too fond of that idea and has already rejected a similar approach from Premier League side West Ham United.
The 2018 World Cup winner has been previously linked to Barcelona as well in the past. However, the two entities never seemed to match up at the right time with one another. This time, however, there may finally be an opportunity for the Frenchman to become a Barça player if the right stars align.
Regardless, Barcelona will not be hedging all their bets on Kante. Other options like Mikel Merino are also seen as viable low-cost defensive midfielders who can come in at an acceptable price. However, only time will tell what Barça ultimately manages to do.
