Jordi Alba is the only recognised left-back at Barcelona and the work to renew his contract is going on in the background.
The La Liga winners will have to find a backup for the Spain international in the summer, and earlier this month, Mundo Deportivo reported that Lyon’s Ferland Mendy, Filipe Luis of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis’ Junior Firpo were identified as targets.
On the front page of today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo, it is claimed the Blaugrana’s preferred choice is the Brazilian and the details as to why they have decided to go ahead with him rather than Mendy are explained in the report.
Luis’ contract with the Spanish capital club runs down after this season and he’s available on a free transfer in the summer. In addition to this, the 33-year-old knows the league really well and despite his age, he has been in top form, which he also showed in his side’s 2-0 win over Juventus.
His profile suits the type of player that Barca are looking to bring in for next season.
In addition to this, the South American is a free agent in the summer and is a better option than Lyon’s Mendy, who would be expensive for the Catalan side.
Should Ernesto Valverde’s side sign the Atletico Madrid player, it will not close the door for 18-year-old Juan Miranda at the club.
The teenager could be allowed to go out on loan to continue his development so that he can be ready to challenge for a place at Barcelona in the next few years.
