Report: Barcelona eyeing Getafe player as Koeman’s ‘physical midfielder’ request

According to reports from AS, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri. The club’s technical secretary Ramon Planes is the main supporter of the transfer, as he was the one who signed the Uruguayan for Getafe.

One of Ronald Koeman’s requests heading into the summer window was the signing of a physical midfielder. The coach needed more muscle in the midfield for his plans, and options were explored.

Barcelona came close to signing a player of a similar profile with Georginio Wijnaldum. The deal, however, broke down in its final stages and the Catalans were left stranded.

Also linked with the Catalans was Saul Niguez, who promised to bring a similar X factor to the midfield. However, that move did not go to plan.

Nevertheless, the Sporting department continues to look for active options, and Arambarri has caught the eye of the club. He would bring the resilience and muscle to the middle of the park, as requested by the coach.

Planes knows the player well having been a key part of the negotiations that saw him move to Getafe.

However, it will be difficult to pull off the heist for multiple reasons. Barcelona have very limited space on the wage roll, and accomodating another player would prove herculean.

Additionally, Getafe will not part with one of their best players easily. The Azulon president Angel Torres has said that Arambarri will only leave if his release clause of 25 million Euros is deposited.

The report further adds that Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the player. Arambarri was, in fact, Los Rojiblancos’ first option to replace Saul Niguez if the Spaniard moved to Catalonia.