Barcelona’s plans at right-back have managed to drag Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea into the same story.
It starts with Pedro Porro (once again) and Iván Fresneda being the two players being considered by the Catalan club.
That immediately gives Tottenham and Arsenal something to think about. Porro of course is a key player for Spurs, while Sporting’s Fresneda has been on Arsenal’s shortlist for quite a while.
Then there’s Chelsea. Their alleged interest in Jules Koundé could actually help Barcelona make room – and find the money – for one of the two.
Porro and Fresneda in Barcelona’s ‘casting’
Spain’s Mundo Deportivo says Porro and Fresneda are effectively taking part in a “casting” for Barcelona’s right-back position.
Porro already has one big argument in his favour. The Tottenham defender played alongside Lamine Yamal for Spain at last summer’s World Cup. Mundo Deportivo highlight the understanding the pair developed.
Porro learned when to overlap, move inside or cover behind the Barcelona star. That obviously makes him an attractive option if Hansi Flick wants someone who can quickly click with Yamal.
There’s also a suggestion Porro himself would be keen. He’s a regular at Tottenham and established in the Premier League. Even so, Mundo Deportivo reckon a move to the Camp Nou would be attractive to the 28-year-old.
On the other hand, Fresneda offers the younger alternative. The 22-year-old has just made his Spain debut, ironically because Porro was unavailable through injury. That has put even more attention on a player Arsenal have already been following.
Portugal’s O Jogo also backs up Barcelona’s interest in the Sporting man. But as we know, getting him out of Lisbon won’t necessarily be cheap. The newspaper recalls Sporting rejecting AS Roma’s €25m (£21.7m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses during the summer.
Chelsea could get the whole thing moving
That’s where Chelsea enter the scene. Jules Koundé is currently behind Eric García in Hansi Flick’s plans, and Mundo Deportivo say Chelsea remain keen on the Frenchman.
Barcelona need to make a significant sale and Koundé could provide it. The newspaper even argues they could receive considerably more for him than they would need to spend on either Porro or Fresneda.
So Chelsea making a move for Koundé could potentially set everything else in motion.
Three big London rivals, three different roles in the same potential transfer chain next year. And Barcelona sit right in the middle of it.
