Barcelona are reportedly set to rival Manchester United and Arsenal for an in-demand midfielder who has been identified as an alternative to Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich.
The Catalan giants have been strongly linked with a move for Kimmich for some time amid uncertainty over his long-term future in Bavaria.
Kimmich has spent the last nine seasons at Bayern, making 390 appearances and winning 20 trophies, but he will soon be entering the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena.
A report last month claimed that Kimmich had rejected a contract offer from Barcelona, who have since failed to make progress in negotiations with the Germany international.
Now managed by Kimmich's former Bayern and Germany boss Hansi Flick, Barca are now understood to be exploring the transfer market for midfield alternatives.
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Barca identify Onana as Kimmich alternative
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have cooled their interest in Kimmich, even though Bayern are no longer so reluctant to part ways with the midfielder.
It is claimed that Barca's decision to step back in the race for Kimmich, valued between €30m and €40m, could see Premier League trio Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all battle for his signature.
The report adds that the Catalan giants will now turn their attention to Everton's Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, although they will likely face stern competition from Arsenal, Man United and Bayern for the former.
A recent report claimed that Bayern have joined the race for Onana having been left frustrated in their pursuit of top target Joao Palhinha.
Arsenal have also been linked with Onana - who is currently away on international duty with Belgium at Euro 2024 - amid uncertainty over the future of midfielder Thomas Partey.
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Barca's financial issues could restrict transfer activity?
Barcelona's reported interest in Onana comes at a time when the future of first-team stars, including midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, have been questioned in recent weeks amid the club's financial concerns.
Barca president Joan Laporta is keen to strengthen Flick's first-team squad ahead of the new season, but La Liga's new 1:1 spending cap rule only allows them to spend €1 for every €1 they recoup this summer.
Such a rule is restricting Barca from spending freely this summer and they may find it challenging to stump up Onana's £50m asking price unless they sell first-team players.
Onana is expected to leave Everton this summer due to their financial problems, even though he still has three years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.
The 6ft 5in midfielder has made a total of 72 appearances for Everton in all competitions during his two seasons at the club, including 30 Premier League outings in 2023-24 as the Toffees avoided relegation and finished 15th in the table.
Oliver Thomas
