Barcelona would like four or five new pieces for the third year of Luis Enrique's project at the club. They are trying to to remain discrete about their targets to avoid price hikes, but they have their objectives. One is Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has starred in Ligue 1 this year and is being followed by several clubs. Barça met with his agent to sound out signing him and an operation seems do-able.
The Catalan club have been following him since last season, and the reports have been excellent. He is similar to Jordi Alba in that he is quick and good offensively. He can also play in midfield. At 22, he has been a regular this season for his club, has scored goals and plays for Portugal. He will be at this summer's European Championships and there's a good chance he will be a starter, too.
His agents, led by Jaouad Boukhari, were in Barcelona a few days ago for talks. It wasn't the first contact, but it could prove definitive. He rejected Paris Saint-Germain last season to play more at Lorient, but now he is keen for a move to a bigger club. He still still has PSG's offer on the table and there has also been contact with Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Liverpool. Barça remain the most attractive option, though, and Lorient are ready to sell for around 12million euros.
Barça want to make the signing because the idea is that Adriano leaves this summer. He has hardly played under Luis Enrique and has an offer from Lazio and another from China. His exit opens the door for a player to come in to provide competition for Alba and Guerreiro is perfect. He meets the demands and needs at the club, plus he is young.
We will have to see how talks develop but the objective is clear. Alba is a good bet and the club don't want to spend loads of money on covering him. Jeremy Mathieu is set to continue at the club and can play left-back if needed, as he has done in the past.
Guerreiro will meet up with Portugal, but he hopes his future is clear before the Euros begin. Born in France, but Portuguese parents, Barça know they will have to fight other clubs to get the deal done, but they are prepared to do so. Will he be one of the new signings? The coming weeks will be key.
