Barcelona are edging closer to finalising a move for Girona midfielder Oriel Romeu, according to SPORT.
The Blaugranas have been in the market for a defensive midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, who has been reunited with his former teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Several players have been touted for a move to Spotify Camp Nou, including Joshua Kimmich, Martin Zubimendi, Marcelo Brozovic and Sofyan Amrabat.
However, Barca’s economic situation disrupted their plans to lure at least one of those players to Catalonia, forcing them to switch their attention elsewhere.
Romeu has emerged as the man to replace Busquets, with the former Southampton man viewed as a stop-gap solution by Barca manager Xavi Hernandez.
The Catalan giants have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 31-year-old holding midfielder, who is set to sign a two-year contract with a conditional option for a third.
All that remains is for both clubs to agree on a transfer fee, and although they remain at odds over the player’s valuation, it is understood that negotiations are at an advanced stage.
Girona are demanding at least €8 million for Romeu, but Barca are unwilling to match their demands and are offering around €5m to wrap up the deal.
However, Girona are reportedly interested in signing Barca youngster Pablo Torre on a season-long loan, which could be instrumental in facilitating a transfer for Romeu.
Talks are ongoing, and both clubs are keen to finalise the transfer as quickly as possible. Xavi wants Romeu available for Barcelona’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Romeu could be Barca’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao and Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.
