Barcelona will join the running for in-demand Hoffenheim attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, FootballDirectNews.com understands. Reports in the last few days suggest that the Catalan giants are set to sell Sanchez to Italian giants Juventus this summer, and it is now thought that Firmino could be their first choice to come in as a replacement in that position.
The 22-year-old has had a superb season in the Bundesliga, scoring 15 goals and weighing in with 11 assists to attract interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool as he certainly looks like having a very bright future in the game. Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus is also being strongly linked with a move to the Nou Camp as they look set to make major changes to their squad this summer after a difficult season, which looks like ending trophyless with just two games to go in La Liga. It remains to be seen if Firmino will favour a move to Spain over remaining in Germany, and it has been suggested that Bayern are currently winning the race to sign the Brazilian.
This may have to see Barca look elsewhere for attacking midfield talent, with unsettled Chelsea star Eden Hazard also being mentioned as a possibility.
