Barcelona are reportedly preparing to make an offer for Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu this summer.
The Catalan giants are said to be determined to boost their options at right-back in the upcoming market, with the club wanting cover and competition for Jules Kounde, who is the first-choice operator in that area of the field.
According to Sport, Ratiu has emerged as a leading target for Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit's sporting director Deco said to be keen to bring him to the Catalan giants for the 2025-26 campaign.
The report claims that Rayo are prepared to do business but would want at least €25m (£21m) for a player who has also been linked with Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old has been a standout player for an impressive Rayo outfit this season, scoring twice and registering two assists in 25 appearances in all competitions, while he has featured on 41 occasions for the club since arriving from Huesca in 2023.
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Barcelona 'lining up summer move for Ratiu'
Ratiu is a 26-time Romania international, while he has a contract with his current side until June 2028, so it will not be a straightforward negotiation for Barcelona, but it would be very difficult for Rayo to resist a summer switch.
Real Madrid may battle Barcelona for his signature, but Los Blancos currently have other priorities, namely securing the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could arrive on a free transfer from Liverpool.
Dani Carvajal will also be back next season, so it is difficult to imagine two right-backs moving to Bernabeu this summer, meaning that Barcelona may have a relatively clear run at his signature.
Sport claim that Barcelona have already been in touch with Rayo to discuss a transfer, and there is a chance that the Catalan outfit could offer a player in exchange.
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Which Barcelona player could be a part of a possible exchange?
Hector Fort is the back-up right-back at Barcelona, and it is not out of the question that the 18-year-old could be offered to Rayo, especially if the capital outfit secure European football for next season.
Gerard Martin and Ansu Fati may also be offered as a potential makeweight, with the latter in particular almost certain to leave Hansi Flick's side at the end of the campaign.
Barcelona are expected to be busy during this summer's transfer window, with the Catalan outfit bidding to bring in a new forward, and Porto's Samu Aghehowa is believed to be high on the club's wishlist due to his excellent form this season.
Matt Law
