Barcelona are close to completing a deal for Benfica full-back Nelson Semedo in a deal which could reach €35m, say reports in Spain.
Both Diario Sport and El Mundo Deportivo – the two main Catalan media outlets – confirm a deal has been reached which will see the 23-year-old sign a five-year contract at the Camp Nou for an initial €35m.
Reports earlier on Thursday stated Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez and Javier Bordas had travelled to Lisbon to conclude a deal for the right-back.
Sport and Record had reported earlier this week the two clubs were locked in talks for the Portuguese international, who has made over 60 appearances for Benfica.
The deal comes after Barca’s failed pursuit of Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin, who now looks set to stay in North London.
Semedo moved to the Portuguese champions from Sintrense in 2012 but did not feature under former boss Jorge Jesus but has earnt the trust of Rui Vitoria, and has helped the club to two league titles in his seasons with the first-team squad.
The Portugal international looks set to become the Blaugrana’s second signing of the summer following the return of Gerard Deulofeu from Everton.
