Barcelona have expressed an interest in signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, according to SPORT.
The Blaugranas are still looking for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, who will exit Spotify Camp Nou when his contract runs out at the end of this month.
Several high-profile names have been linked with Barca and they have now added Luis to their star-studded wish list.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye for Roger Schmidt’s side this season, helping Benfica reclaim their Primeira Liga title for the first time in four years.
Luis is an astute defensive midfielder whose statistics back up his high-class performances, having completed 72% of his dribbles while winning 60% of his ground duels.
The Portuguese maestro has the physicality and awareness to break up opposition play and comfortably protect the back line while boasting an eye for a pass.
Barca manager Xavi Hernandez has insisted that he needs at least two defensive midfielders who can replicate Busquets’ high-level performances, and Luis checks all the boxes for the Spanish head coach.
Luis’ contract with Benfica runs until 2027 with a €120 million release clause inserted, but the Eagles are reportedly willing to sanction a sale if an offer of around €40m arrives.
Barca have sent scouts to watch the Portuguese midfielder on several occasions but will face competition from AC Milan, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains a priority target for Xavi, who insists he wants an ‘excellent profile’ to replace Busquets.
However, the Spaniard will cost the cash-stricken Barca an arm and a leg, especially with his contract set to run until 2027.
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat are also on Barca’s shortlist, but the Catalans will need to lighten their wage bill before bringing in reinforcements.
