PSG set to complete signing of Barcelona midfield target for €23 million – Fabrizio Romano

One of Barcelona’s biggest priorities over the last half a decade has been signing a replacement for Sergio Busquets. However, they were unable to do so, and were eventually left without a backup when the captain departed the club for Inter Miami this summer.

Oriol Romeu was brought in for €3.5 million from Girona, but the transfer has not worked out for Barcelona. While his performances early on in the season were surprisingly solid, they have taken a steady decline since.

As such, Xavi has opted to use Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong in the no. 6 role often this season. It is clear, though, that that diminishes their best qualities.

Barcelona were, therefore, looking for a young technically solid pivot who could plug that gap for a long time.

One of the options they were considering among a sea of talent consisting of Martin Zubimendi, Joshua Kimmich, and others, was Brazilian teenager Gabriel Moscardo.

PSG set to beat Barcelona and others

At 18, Moscardo’s performances with Corinthians this season had the attention of all top clubs across Europe, including Barcelona. However, it is PSG who seem to have sealed the deal.

As per a recent update from Fabrizio Romano, PSG are set to complete the signing of Moscardo for €22 million, plus €1 million in add-ons.

A positive meeting took place with Corinthians on Tuesday, and talks are now at a final stage, after which the paperwork will be finalised.

What are Barcelona’s other options?

Well, the media continues to insist that Barcelona consider Zubimendi and Kimmich their priority targets. The latter’s move this summer, could be likely, as well, with Bayern Munich interested in signing the former from Real Sociedad.

There are a few other names on the table, as well. Short-term options like Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi have been considered, while Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren also remains on their radar as a long-term target.