Five right-backs Barcelona are tracking, including Man United and Chelsea stars – report

Even though the summer transfer window is still a few months away, the planning is underway and is going in full flow at FC Barcelona.

A new striker and a new midfielder have been identified as positions of utmost importance, while a new right-back also remains very high on the agenda of manager Xavi Hernandez.

Given that the Blaugrana have had problems in the position for several years now, it is important that they rectify it and not continue to rely on Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, who have done a good job but are not natural full-backs.

To that end, Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo is claiming that Barcelona have five targets for the right-back position who they are tracking at the moment.

Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

The Manchester United defender has been on the agenda at Barcelona for some time now. His contract at Old Trafford was initially set to expire at the end of the current season, but the Red Devils have triggered a one-year extension.

Talks over a new deal have been ongoing for a while but a breakthrough has not been made yet. As a result, his current contract expires in 2024 and Manchester United are looking for a new right-back, which means Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be sold. And Barcelona are attentive to the situation.

Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)

Another player that has been long-linked with Barcelona, Meunier has been on the radars since January last year, when Jordi Cruyff spoke to him about a transfer. The Belgian international has been keen to move to Camp Nou ever since.

Meunier’s contract expires at the end of the next season. But Dortmund are demanding a fee of €15 million for his services, which the Catalans are reluctant to pay given his age, contract duration and the fact that he is not even a regular starter for the German giants.

Juan Foyth (Villarreal)

The priority right-back target for manager Xavi Hernandez, Foyth continues to be at the top of the wishlist, but his signing is seen as extremely difficult owing to the €54 million release clause in his Villarreal contract that runs until 2026.

Barcelona are nowhere in a position to make such a huge investment despite Xavi asking the club to make extra efforts for his signing. The World Cup-winning right-back hopes that an offer comes from the Catalans, but understands that it will be difficult.

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

A player that has been linked with Barcelona recently, Jeremie Frimpong is enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen and is attracting interest from clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United as well.

Barcelona have held direct talks with his agent and Frimpong is aware of their interest. However, it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that the Dutchman prefers a move to Manchester United. And, he too could be out of the Blaugrana’s reach.

Malo Gusto (Chelsea, on loan at Lyon)

The 19-year-old was on Barcelona’s radars before Chelsea signed him in January and loaned him back to Lyon until the end of the season. Gusto has been out with a hamstring injury for two months now and Barça are understood to have made enquiries about his fitness.

The Frenchman, for his part, is aware of the La Liga leaders’ interest in him but knows a move is complicated. Many clubs are said to be interested in Gusto and Barcelona do not plan on entering a bidding war.