After a long struggle with a massive dilemma, Hansi Flick finally seems to have found a reasonably stable defensive duo in Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.
The duo have done well together, and Martin’s being left-footed has helped him partially bridge the gap left by Inigo Martinez’s departure.
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Barcelona, however, remain firm on their stance that a new arrival next summer is a must and they will thus push to sign a new elite centre-back, especially if Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen leaves the club.
The Premier League option
As relayed in a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have called to enquire about the situation of Marc Guehi and see the Premier League star to be a well-placed target to reinforce the team’s defence.
They are, however, not alone in the race and will have to fight hard if they are to sign him, especially with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool also firmly in the hope of signing Guehi alongside Barcelona. Manchester City too are rumoured to be in the running.
Man in demand. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
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The serious interest in the player from across Europe is not surprising given his numbers this season and how he has only gone from strength to strength in recent months.
The 25-year-old has started 15 Premier League games for Crystal Palace this season and has overseen six clean sheets for the team in the process.
He averages over 13 defensive actions per game in addition to four ball recoveries every 90 minutes.
Guehi’s current contract with Crystal Palace runs until 30th June 2026 and he will thus be a free agent next summer.
Moreover, he will be free to discuss terms with interested clubs starting next month and Barcelona will look to capitalise on that front given the serious competition.