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Florian Wirtz, Arthur Vermeeren, Alan Varela 'all on Barcelona shortlist'

Wirtz, Vermeeren, Varela 'all on Barcelona shortlist'
© Reuters
Barcelona reportedly draw up a three-man shortlist featuring Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren and Porto's Alan Varela.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Florian Wirtz, Arthur Vermeeren and Alan Varela as three potential transfer targets.

The La Liga champions made a number of additions during the summer transfer window, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez and Oriol Romeu on permanent deals.

They also utilised the loan market to recruit defender Joao Cancelo and forward Joao Felix from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively.

While the transfer window may currently be shut, Barcelona's hierarchy are scouring the market to identify future targets.

With the La Liga champions hoping to strengthen in the middle of the park, they have supposedly drawn up a three-man shortlist featuring potential midfield options for 2024.

Benfica's Angel Di Maria in action with FC Porto's Alan Varela on September 29, 2023© Reuters

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have picked out Bayer Leverkusen's Wirtz, Royal Antwerp's Vermeeren and Porto's Varela.

Wirtz, who has previously expressed a desire to play for the Catalan giants, has started the 2023-24 campaign in a rich vein of form.

The 20-year-old has registered three goals and four assists in 10 matches to help Xabi Alonso's side make an unbeaten start to the season.

While the La Liga club are admirers of Wirtz, their current financial situation may prevent them from pursuing a deal.

Wirtz has just under four years left on a contract that contains a sizeable release clause, which is said to be worth around €100m (£86.5m).

Barcelona's Gavi in action with Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren on September 19, 2023© Reuters

In contrast to Wirtz, Vermeeren would represent a far more affordable option, with the 18-year-old valued at €20m (£17.3m).

The youngster, who helped Royal Antwerp complete a league and cup double last season, has contributed one goal and five assists in 15 competitive appearances this term.

Vermeeren recently played against Barcelona in last month's Champions League meeting, which saw Xavi's side cruise to a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Varela has emerged as a potential target after impressing for Porto during a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona earlier this month.

The 22-year-old completed a move to Porto from Boca Juniors during the summer and is under contract with the Portuguese club until 2028.

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FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


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