€70 million-rated star is Barcelona’s priority for the right-wing, Angel Di Maria an alternative

As the days pass by, Ousmane Dembele is getting closer and closer to an exit from Barcelona. The Frenchman’s contract expires on June 30 and the club have already started planning for the next season without the Frenchman.

Given how exceptionally the 25-year-old performed in the second half of the last season, replacing him will not be straightforward. But, Barcelona have narrowed in on a couple of potential options to fill in the vacancy that would be left by the winger’s departure.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Leeds United attacker Raphinha remains the priority target for Barcelona to bolster the right flank. However, they are also looking at Paris Saint-Germain superstar and soon-to-be free agent Angel Di Maria as an alternative.

Raphinha is coming on the back of an excellent season with Leeds United, as he played a huge role in helping the Whites survive the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

However, signing him is proving to be a hurdle for Barça due to their financial limitations and Leeds’ asking price for the winger. The Whites could reportedly demand a massive fee of around €70 million for the Brazilian international, making things difficult for the Catalans.

It has paved the way for the Blaugrana to keep an eye on the situation of Angel Di Maria. The former Real Madrid winger is keen on returning to Spain with his contract expiring later this month and has offered himself to Barcelona already.

And the Catalan club are considering the possibility of signing him as a short-term fix, given his quality and experience along with him being a cost-effective solution amidst their economic crisis.

Talks have been held with Di Maria’s agent and negotiation channels are being kept open, amidst interest from Juventus. However, Raphinha remains the priority target for Barcelona due to his age and future prospects.

However, whether Barça can afford to sign the Brazilian international in the summer remains the question.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.