Barcelona have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Gonçalo Guedes as a target to replace Memphis Depay. The Dutchman is close to completing a move to Atlético Madrid.
The Catalan club wanted Yannick Carrasco to be included as part of the deal for Depay, but Atlético are not in favour of this.
Considering signing an attacker, Mundo Deportivo state Barca have now shifted their focus to the Wolves player.
The Blaugrana technical leaders consider the Portugal international a ‘good player to contribute’ to their attacking division. He is keen to leave the Premier League side because of a poor relationship with Julen Lopetegui.
Wolves signed Pablo Sarabia earlier this week and his arrival could facilitate the former Valencia man’s departure in January.
Guedes is represented by Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Blaugrana and their president Joan Laporta. All these factors make it a ‘relatively easy option’ for Barca to sign him.
Mundo say the next few hours and days would be important to see how the market evolves. The La Liga side don’t want to delay in finding a replacement for Depay.
Barca’s interest in the Wolves winger is also reported by AS, who add Guedes has held talks with Xavi Hernández.
It’s explained he has ‘shown great interest’ to be part of the project sold to him by the manager.
The Spanish club’s financial constraints means they are looking to sign Guedes on loan with a non-mandatory purchase option.
The next step is to agree a deal with Lopetegui’s side. Here, the Catalan club are relying upon their good relationship with Mendes to reach an agreement with Wolves.
The super-agent, for his part, would facilitate the operation to bring Guedes to the Camp Nou this month.
