Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour as Luis Enrique demands a young stopper to compete with Javier Mascherano.
The 44-year-old has five first-team centre-backs at his disposal, but Mundo Deportivo claims none of them fit the bill as Carles Puyol’s natural heir, subsequently leaving the Coach to look elsewhere.
Barca’s first-choice partnership is currently Mascherano and Gerard Pique, the latter of whom is considered indispensable, but Enrique is understood to be of the opinion that problems start when one of the pair are sidelined.
Jeremy Mathieu is considered the primary deputy, but with Marc Bartra seemingly ready to leave the club, doubts over Thomas Vermaelen’s long-term fitness and numerous targets unavailable, Barca have moved to Abdennour.
The newspaper claims La Blaugrana have been following the Tunisia international since he joined Toulouse in 2011, interest that has only intensified following Ariedo Braida’s arrival as sporting director in February.
Monaco right-back Fabinho had been regularly scouted by Braida, but Abdennour also caught the eye and in turn replaced the Brazilian as the player being tracked by the 68-year-old.
The former Werder Bremen loanee recently told the French Press that he would be open to leaving Monaco, whom he has played for since January 2014.
Another defensive target is River Plate’s 19-year-old stopper Emanuel Mammana, who can also play midfield, but Atletico Madrid appear to be leading the race for his signature, with Miranda Inter-bound.
