Barcelona have identified two positions as priorities to strengthen the squad – report

Despite incorporating various players in the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona’s project is far from complete. According to Diario SPORT, the club have already kickstarted their plans to further strengthen the squad.

One of the priorities for Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany is to address the weak spots within the squad. They have identified two such weak points in the form of the right-back and the defensive midfielders. As such, they are scouring the market for newer options.

Barcelona did sign Hector Bellerin on the final day of the summer transfer market, with the Spaniard arriving from Arsenal on a free transfer.

However, it appears Barça want to sign someone that can prove to be a more prominent and reliable option for the position. While Bellerin does not lack any experience in the position, he has struggled with fitness issues in the past, with the defender suffering from a knock even as we speak.

Bellerin’s ailments have forced Barcelona’s hands, and as per the report, the club are targeting a move for Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese international has starred for Manchester United this season and with his contract at Old Trafford expiring in 2023, he could be an interesting option for Barcelona.

As for the defensive midfield department, Sergio Busquets has faced massive criticism following his performance against Inter Milan this midweek. There are even question marks over his participation against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Frenkie de Jong is the closest alternative Barcelona have at their disposal. But even the Dutchman is facing an uncertain future, with the club reportedly keen on offloading him in the January transfer window.

This has led the Catalans to scour the market for a new defensive midfield. The report suggests the club are keeping their tabs on Ruben Neves of Wolves, while Martin Zubimendi could be another option for Xavi, although he signed a new contract with Real Sociedad only yesterday.

There is a chance that the board could push forward with the transfer plans in the January transfer window itself, instead of waiting until the end of the season to reinforce the said positions.

In such a scenario, though, Barcelona will need to make room for new arrivals by offloading some of the current players.

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