Barcelona battle Inter Milan for 27-year-old Bundesliga defender

The next couple of transfer windows promise to be pivotal ones for Barcelona. Multiple areas are in need of strengthening, but with funds unavailable, they will be forced to explore the possibilities of loan deals in January and free transfers in the summer.

One such soon-to-be free agent on the Catalan giants’ radars is Borussia Monchengladbach defender, Matthias Ginter reports Calciomercato (h/t Fichajes).

The 27-year-old has been with the Foals for more than four years now, having joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. During this time, he has grown into one of the most consistent and reliable centre-halves in Bundesliga while also establishing himself as a regular in the German national team setup.

The report claims that Ginter is ready to take the next step in his career this summer and will not be signing an extension with Gladbach. Barcelona, for their part, are interested in signing him at the end of the season as they are aware that Gerard Pique is in the final stages of his career and will need to be replaced eventually.

Furthermore, with Samuel Umtiti also out of favour and Clement Lenglet’s future uncertain, it only makes sense for the Blaugrana to consider bolstering their defensive options ahead of the next season. Ginter, given his experience and potential free agency, would make for a shrewd addition.

However, the report adds that Inter Milan have joined Barcelona in pursuit of the 27-year-old. In fact, it even states that the Nerazzurri could potentially have taken the lead in the race to land the former SC Freiburg defensive ace, with CEO Beppe Marotta and director Piero Ausilio already laying the groundwork for a deal.

Apart from Barca and Inter, even Atletico Madrid are said to be in the picture for the signing of Ginter, which could further complicate matters for Xavi Hernandez & co. For now, though, the 46-time capped German international remains firmly on the radars of the Catalan giants.