Barcelona could be in for an unlikely triple swoop of Paulinho, Jean Michael Seri and Julian Draxler.
The claims were circulated by Sport, which cites Bild on how Roger Wittmann – Draxler’s agent – landed in Catalonia on Saturday ahead of possible talks with Barca.
Although the Blaugrana’s first choice was Marco Verratti as the player that headed the other way in Neymar’s world-record, €222m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, they have been forced to look elsewhere.
Draxler only joined the French giants in January, and the attacking midfielder is said to be among those being considered by Barca, alongside Angel Di Maria and Adrien Rabiot.
Meanwhile, Sport reports Barca’s deal for Paulinho is back on.
Links appeared to have cooled since the end of the Chinese transfer window on July 15, but the newspaper claims the Guangzhou Evergrande man “is very close to signing” after all.
Furthermore, talks would be at a “very advanced stage”, with both clubs in touch directly ahead of an agreement that could be “a few days” away.
Despite his poor spell at Tottenham Hotspur, the Brazilian is described as “a player with a strong footballing personality and a good first touch.”
Following Paulinho at Camp Nou could be Seri, whose “youth, physique and first touch” and “good scouting reports” are understood to have tempted the Catalans.
Barça also know the player’s will to join the club, already contacting his representative brother, but Nice previously asserted they would not sell the Ivorian, while the Copa del Rey holders must move on some midfielders if they bring in the pair.
