Barcelona have wasted no time in strategising for the upcoming January transfer window, just days after the closure of the summer transfer market.
The Catalan giants are aiming to bolster their midfield options and provide competition for summer acquisition Oriol Romeu.
Mundo Deportivo reports suggest that one name prominently on Barcelona’s radar is Guido Rodriguez, the Argentine midfielder currently plying his trade at Real Betis.
While Rodriguez was a target for Barcelona during the summer transfer window, they ultimately opted for Romeu. However, the 29-year-old, who secured the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has now emerged as a prime target for January due to his contract situation.
Rodriguez’s contract with Real Betis is set to expire in 2024, potentially making him available for a cut-price transfer in the upcoming transfer window — a chance that Barcelona are keen to seize.
Real Betis, aware of Barcelona’s interest, are determined to retain the midfielder’s services and are prepared to offer him an enticing new contract, which would see him become one of the club’s highest earners alongside Nabil Fekir.
Barcelona face competition in their pursuit of Rodriguez, with clubs across Europe expressing interest. Serie A clubs Napoli and AC Milan, Premier League side Nottingham Forest, and Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon are all keeping a watchful eye on the talented defensive midfielder.
With Rodriguez in high demand, Barcelona will need to act swiftly if they are serious about securing his signature in the January transfer window.