Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'interested in Youri Tielemans, N'Golo Kante, Ilkay Gundogan'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 October 2022

Barcelona 'interested in Tielemans, Kante, Gundogan'

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan are midfield targets for Barcelona, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situations of Youri Tielemans, N'Golo Kante and Ilkay Gundogan at their respective Premier League clubs.

Tielemans's contract with Leicester City is due to expire at the end of June, while Kante will also see his current deal with Chelsea come to an end next summer.

Gundogan is another player set to be out of contract at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, with Manchester City yet to agree an extension with the experienced midfielder.

According to Sport, Barcelona are paying 'special attention' to the free transfer market when it comes to possible midfield additions, and Tielemans, Kante and Gundogan are all seen as genuine options.

The report claims that the Catalan outfit have been in touch with Kante's representatives 'for several months' to discuss a possible switch to Camp Nou.

N'Golo Kante in action for Chelsea on August 14, 2022 © Reuters

Chelsea allegedly have no plans to extend Kante's contract at Stamford Bridge, with the World Cup winner struggling with fitness problems this season.

A hamstring issue has kept the 31-year-old on the sidelines since the middle of August, and the Blues are said to be reluctant to pay him the wages that would be required to secure his future.

Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with his signature, but his desire to remain in London allegedly also means that both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are genuine suitors.

Tielemans, meanwhile, was widely expected to leave Leicester over the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the clubs to be credited with an interest.

The Belgium international ultimately remained at the King Power Stadium past the deadline, but he is unlikely to be signing a new deal with the struggling Foxes and is set to leave on a free transfer next year.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans pictured on October 3, 2022 © Reuters

Gundogan, meanwhile, is also close to entering the final six months of his contract at Man City, and there have been claims that he could seek pastures new in 2023.

The 31-year-old has again been heavily involved for the Citizens this term, featuring on 13 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.

Despite his status as club captain, Gundogan is not a guaranteed starter for the English champions, and he could potentially depart for a new challenge next year.

Barcelona are set to lose Sergio Busquets on a free transfer in 2023, with the experienced midfielder potentially heading for the MLS, while Frenkie de Jong is still being strongly linked with an exit.

Xavi's side face an uphill battle to reach the knockout round of this season's Champions League following their 3-3 draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday, which has left the Italian giants in charge of second spot in Group E.