Barcelona looked as if they were indeed keen to address the number nine position with the signing of Vitor Roque in January, spending €30m on the 19-year-old. However that has not worked out with the Brazilian heading to Real Betis on loan this season, but there is no escaping the fact that star striker Robert Lewandowski is 36 this year.
The Blaugrana will need to look at the position sooner rather than later, and this week have been linked with in-form Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. The 20-year-old Colombian is in fine form for the Villains, but is also still competing with Ollie Watkins for a starting spot.
Szczęsny's signing is getting closer. His entourage now recognize that the goalkeeper will undergo medical tests shortly. @martinezferran, @RogerTorello
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 26, 2024
However Fabrizio Romano has informed Caught Offside that it is ‘absolutely not true’ that Barcelona are working on a deal for Duran, and there have been no contacts from Catalonia with Villa or Duran. Chelsea and West Ham showed an interest in the summer, but his place at Villa now looks assured.
It goes without saying that Duran would be one of the most expensive forwards in the world at this point too, which cuts to the heart of the issue for Barcelona. Many believe the Blaugrana still need a central midfielder and more depth in defence too, but it seems unlikely they will be able to bring in a top forward for top money, so may have to hedge their bets with a younger player like Roque.
Image via Marc Atkins/Getty Images
