Barcelona considered a move for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto before he moved to Chelsea, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalans are desperately searching for a right-back with a more offensive profile. They have been using natural centre-backs Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo to cover there.
When Sergi Roberto has been fit, he has also filled in at right-back with the club short-staffed. Barcelona signed right-back Sergino Dest from Ajax, but he failed to impress.
They shipped out the American international to AC Milan, but they want to return him this summer.
Barcelona were reportedly monitoring Gusto’s development. They planned to move for him this summer before the Premier League club snapped him up.
However, the Spanish giants are not angry about missing out on Gusto. They are even ready to continue playing central defenders there because their priority is in midfield.
Barcelona are struggling financially and must prioritise signings. The right-back profiles they want are too expensive for their budget.
They had targeted Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo and Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, but both are out of their reach.
Barcelona’s summer transfer window is unclear at the moment. Two factors will reportedly determine how they operate in the market.
They must sort out their crippling financial situation by selling assets to raise money and appease La Liga.
The league refused to allow Barcelona to sign any players in the January transfer window. They reportedly cannot sign anyone this summer unless they raise around €170 million.
The second market-determining factor is the Negreira case, which UEFA are now investigating.
Barcelona could move for a cheaper right-back option such as RB Salzburg’s Amar Dedic. They like the player, AC Milan and Arsenal are also interested.
