Transfer Centre

Florian Wirtz, Arthur Vermeeren, Alan Varela 'all on Barcelona shortlist'

By Ben Sully | 12 October 2023

Wirtz, Vermeeren, Varela 'all on Barcelona shortlist'

Barcelona reportedly draw up a three-man shortlist featuring Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren and Porto's Alan Varela.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Florian Wirtz, Arthur Vermeeren and Alan Varela as three potential transfer targets.

The La Liga champions made a number of additions during the summer transfer window, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez and Oriol Romeu on permanent deals.

They also utilised the loan market to recruit defender Joao Cancelo and forward Joao Felix from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively.

While the transfer window may currently be shut, Barcelona's hierarchy are scouring the market to identify future targets.

With the La Liga champions hoping to strengthen in the middle of the park, they have supposedly drawn up a three-man shortlist featuring potential midfield options for 2024.

Benfica's Angel Di Maria in action with FC Porto's Alan Varela on September 29, 2023 © Reuters

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have picked out Bayer Leverkusen's Wirtz, Royal Antwerp's Vermeeren and Porto's Varela.

Wirtz, who has previously expressed a desire to play for the Catalan giants, has started the 2023-24 campaign in a rich vein of form.

The 20-year-old has registered three goals and four assists in 10 matches to help Xabi Alonso's side make an unbeaten start to the season.

While the La Liga club are admirers of Wirtz, their current financial situation may prevent them from pursuing a deal.

Wirtz has just under four years left on a contract that contains a sizeable release clause, which is said to be worth around €100m (£86.5m).

Barcelona's Gavi in action with Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren on September 19, 2023 © Reuters

In contrast to Wirtz, Vermeeren would represent a far more affordable option, with the 18-year-old valued at €20m (£17.3m).

The youngster, who helped Royal Antwerp complete a league and cup double last season, has contributed one goal and five assists in 15 competitive appearances this term.

Vermeeren recently played against Barcelona in last month's Champions League meeting, which saw Xavi's side cruise to a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Varela has emerged as a potential target after impressing for Porto during a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona earlier this month.

The 22-year-old completed a move to Porto from Boca Juniors during the summer and is under contract with the Portuguese club until 2028.