Barcelona rivalled by Atletico Madrid in pursuit of Serie A midfielder – report

During the January transfer window, Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian international was seen as a potential short-term replacement for Sergio Busquets and talks of a possible swap deal involving Franck Kessie were rife.

However, nothing came of it and Brozovic ended up staying put at the Giuseppe Meazza.

But, according to a fresh report from SPORT, Barcelona continue to hold an interest in Brozovic, although they are set to face competition from Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the midfielder.

It has been reported that the Blaugrana are not extensively looking to sign a new midfielder this summer and have other positions as a priority.

However, should Sergio Busquets decide against renewing his contract, the La Liga leaders will likely be forced into the market for reinforcements in the No. 6 slot.

Martin Zubimendi remains the top target in such a scenario but his €60 million release clause makes it impossible for Barça to sign him. Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract with Manchester City expires in a few months, is also an option, but wages could be an issue.

Brozovic, thus, could be an alternative for Barcelona and the possibility of swapping Kessie for the Croatian could be revisited considering Inter remain interested in the Ivorian.

However, the Blaugrana will have to deal with competition from Atletico Madrid, who have also entered the race to sign Brozovic. The report states that Diego Simeone is keen on adding a new midfielder and likes the Inter Milan star very much.

The player, for his part, is open to an exit after having lost some prominence in Simone Inzaghi’s plans in recent times. With the likes of Atletico, Chelsea and PSG also in the hunt, it remains to be seen if Barcelona will push for Brozovic or focus their efforts elsewhere.