Barcelona have identified Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen as their next transfer target amid fears Marquinhos is out of reach.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to discuss selling the Brazilian centre-back, forcing Barca to consider other options.
The likes of Daley Blind, Mats Hummels and Jan Vertonghen have all been mentioned but Vermaelen is now the favourite.
Barca are said to be particularly keen on Vermaelen as he would add balance to the centre-back options, providing a second left-sided player to go with Jeremy Mathieu.
Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra and Javier Mascherano have between them the right-hand side of the centre-back pairing covered.
MD add that Barca have made enquiries with Vermaelen’s representatives but Manchester United are also known to be interested in the Belgium international.
It’s felt that if Barca want to tempt Arsene Wenger into selling the Arsenal captain, a fee approaching €20m will be needed – half the cost of Marquinhos.
