Inter Milan have reportedly made contact with Barcelona regarding the availability of Aleix Vidal, while Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu is said to be looking at a number of reinforcements during the summer transfer window, including La Liga stars Denis Suarez and Kevin Gameiro.

According to Sky Italia (h/t Calciomercato.com), Barcelona still want to sign Arsenal starlet Hector Bellerin to replace right-back Dani Alves, who is set to sign for Juventus, and that would leave Vidal as the odd man out. Napoli and AC Milan are reportedly also keeping an eye on the situation.

The 26-year-old made just 14 appearances last season but could replace Alves as Barcelona’s choice right-back. Inter have already signed Caner Erkin and Cristian Ansaldi, but a loan move for Vidal could still be an option.

The Spaniard signed for Barcelona last summer but couldn’t make his debut for the club until January due to the Catalans’ transfer embargo. He showed flashes of his talent in the second half of the season, but he was never able to usurp Alves as the starter at the right-back position.

Sergi Roberto emerged as one of the club’s top breakout performers last season, and while his best displays came in midfield, he has experience at full-back and could be groomed as the club’s top option if Bellerin stays in north London.

If not, Vidal would be a solid choice for Barcelona―he was considered one of Spain’s best right-backs not too long ago for a reason. Here’s a look at some of his highlights from his last season with Sevilla:

Vidal is a safe, solid option, but he’s not the sort of world-class talent people have come to associate with the Blaugrana. Bellerin could be such a player, but he’s highly unlikely to leave Arsenal this summer and still needs a lot of seasoning before he can be considered world-class.

Inter tried their luck with a loan deal for Barcelona’s Martin Montoya last year, and that move fell flat in a hurry, so one has to wonder whether another shot at a loan is such a wise idea. Barcelona could use Vidal as a versatile depth option or even a starter if the plan is to keep Roberto in midfield for now.

Meanwhile, Sport‘s Juan Manuel Diaz reported Bartomeu is looking at a number of La Liga players as possible reinforcements for the upcoming season. Among those considered is Suarez, who is set to return to the club in July after a strong spell with Villarreal.

The 22-year-old helped the Yellow Submarine to a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League and continued his remarkable development, and there was little doubt the Catalans would use their buy-back option on him.

Here’s a look at some of his highlights:

Others made the list as well, including Nolito, who seems set to join Manchester City, and Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos. But Sevilla‘s Gameiro stands out as the other big fish on the list, although a transfer seems unlikely.

Per the report, two huge roadblocks stand in the way of a move. First, there’s the Frenchman’s €40 million release clause, which is too rich for Barcelona’s blood. Sevilla have already made it clear he won’t leave for less—a steep fee for a player who would be a backup behind Luis Suarez.

New Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli also has no intention of moving Gameiro, so negotiating with the Andalusians will be anything but pleasant.

Per WhoScored.com, Gameiro scored 16 La Liga goals last season, but he was controversially left out of France’s UEFA Euro 2016 squad. The snub could push him toward the Sevilla exit door in search of a bigger, more high-profile club and renewed chances with the French national team.

 

Follow @ReverschPass

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/291Cmzt
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J