Deco wants Barcelona to sign Liverpool target and Chelsea star in January to bolster squad - Reports
Barcelona sporting director Deco has identified Chelsea and Celta Vigo full-backs to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window after their impressive start to the season. The Spanish giants have won 11 of 12 games in the league and three of four in the UEFA Champions League since the start of the 2024-25 season.
La Blaugrana have started the season excellently, losing once each in LaLiga and the Champions League against Osasuna and AS Monaco, respectively. The defeat to Osasuna, in particular, exposed the lack of depth in their defensive unit when Hansi Flick opted to make wholesale defensive changes.
Spanish outlet El Nacional has now reported that Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza is a target for Flick's side to provide right-back cover. The Spain international is a product of the club's academy and will be available for a reported €10 million. Mingueza has been in excellent form this season, providing two goals and five assists in 11 appearances, and has caught the eye of Premier League giants Liverpool.
The report has also linked the side to Chelsea's vice-captain Ben Chilwell, who has fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge this season. Chilwell has only made a Chelsea matchday squad twice this season, losing his place in the squad to Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga, both significantly younger players.
Barcelona want Chilwell to provide cover for young left-back Alejandro Balde. Similarly, Mingueza is meant to provide cover for French star Jules Kounde at right-back.
Chelsea will be willing to part ways with Chilwell, particularly considering his significant wages and the fact that he is not in the manager's plans. Celta Vigo may be a bit more unwilling to lose Mingueza, but Barcelona possess a buy-back option for him.
Chelsea linked with move for Barcelona star - Reports
Chelsea have been linked with a move to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as part of their plans to add quality to their squad. The Blues have spared no cost in trying to assemble a squad of some of the finest players in Europe as they look to return to their glory days.
Reports from Spain (via footballfancast.com) have pointed out that the Blues remain keen on the France international, who they almost signed from Sevilla in 2022. Kounde has distinguished himself as a versatile defender capable of playing at right-back and centre-back for club and country.
Chelsea are potentially looking to sign Kounde for his versatility amid a series of injury problems faced by captain Reece James. The Frenchman is expected to cost in the region of £54 million to join the Blues.