Barcelona could look to beat the likes of Arsenal to the signing of AC Milan right-back Mattia De Sciglio, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe at the moment, and has been a key performer for Milan, despite a poor season overall from the San Siro side.
This could prompt clubs to make a raid for the youngster, with Arsenal and Manchester United having previously been linked with a move for him as they eye new signings in the right-back position for next season.
However, Barcelona are also in the market for new players in that position as they face the possible exits of Brazilian international Dani Alves and Spanish youngster Martin Montoya. Both players’ futures have come under some scrutiny recently, with neither seeming satisfied with their roles at the club and both approaching the end of their respective contracts. Alves has been a key performer for the Catalan giants for the last few years, and will be a hard act to follow, though De Sciglio appears to have been identified as the perfect replacement for the 30-year-old, a European football insider revealed.
There may even be a possibility of a swap deal between the two clubs, with Milan emerging as one of the clubs to be linked with Alves.