Barcelona could rival Arsenal and Liverpool for the signing of Sao Paulo defender Rodrigo Caio, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The 20-year-old looks an outstanding prospect after establishing himself in the Brazilian side’s first-team in the last few years, and earned high praise for an eye-catching display to thwart current Barcelona star Neymar in 2012, while he was still at Santos. Arsenal and Liverpool could be keen on signing Caio this summer as they eye improvements in defence, though Barcelona now look set to join the chase for his signature as they look to bring in new players for their back four. With Carles Puyol calling time on his long career at the Nou Camp this summer, and Javier Mascherano also possibly leaving, the Catalan giants have been linked with a whole host of big names to come in in defence. Caio looks like he could be an excellent long-term solution for the reigning La Liga champions, and he is likely to be one of two players brought in if the club do succeed in landing him. Barcelona are also interested in Caio from Sao Paulo, a European football insider revealed. “He has offers from England, from Arsenal and Liverpool, and no decision has been made yet. It looks likely that he will move to Europe sooner rather than later.

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