As the Catalans from Barcelona pursue their summer targets, there are others that also retain an interest in said targets. The signature of one particular Moroccan now may become more complicated to acquire.
26-year-old Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is Xavi Hernandez’s ideal alternative to the improbable arrival of first-choice Busquets replacement, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. The Moroccan’s signature is also difficult, as Fiorentina’s asking price of €40 million exceeds what Barcelona are willing to spend.
However, as SPORT reports, this already difficult transfer may well find yet another hurdle placed in front of La Blaugrana. French side Paris Saint-Germain may also end up joining the race for the defensive midfielder, a player who is likely to attract much European interest courtesy of his now well-known quality.
According to Foot Mercato, the primary trigger for PSG to potentially go after Amrabat would be the appointment of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, who remains a huge fan of the Moroccan.
Should PSG formally join the race, it may become evident for Barcelona that they cannot compete financially for the player, despite his reported interest in becoming a Blaugrana. In the case that his signing fails, the Catalans will have to look towards other alternatives that they have decided upon such as Guido Rodriguez or Ruben Neves.
While on a sporting level, Guido Rodriquez of Real Betis remains the preferred alternative, he would also come with a subsequent transfer fee.
For the Barcelona board, the priority remains to be as cost-effective as well possible, and thus they believe Ruben Neves to be the perfect candidate as it gives them the most leverage in terms of Financial Fairplay.
A possible swap deal with Wolves involving Neves and Ansu Fati, with the English side also paying up an amount of €30 million alongside the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival for the Catalans.
However, the player does not have the approval from the coaching staff and they still maintain Zubimendi, Amrabat, and Guido Rodriguez as the ideal alternatives.
