Barcelona view new pivot as ‘essential’ and draw up five-man shortlist

Barcelona reportedly view the signing of a youthful pivot as “essential” in the summer transfer window and are already looking at options.

Xavi’s side want a new midfielder and two full-backs in the summer but finances will once again be an issue for the Catalan giants.

Diario Sport reckon that if finances were no issue then Martin Zubimendi would be the man, but in reality Barca will have to look elsewhere.

Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren, Brazilian youngster Gabriel Moscardo and Sergi Altimera are all players that Barcelona are keen on.

Barcelona have reportedly already chatted with Antwerp about a potential move for Vermeeren, while Deco is thought to have spoken with Corinthians about Moscardo.

Wilfried Ndidi and Guido Rodríguez can also be added to the list as they are approaching the end of their contracts and could potentially be snapped up at relatively low cost.