Barcelona reactivate operation to sign Premier League midfielder on a free transfer as Sergio Busquets' replacement: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, who is considered to be an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Tielemans, 25, has been a hot topic of discussion since last summer as his deal is set to expire this June. He was linked with a potential move to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, but the Belgian opted to run out his current contract.
A right-footed deep-lying playmaker blessed with passing and shooting, Tielemans has been linked with the Blaugrana since the turn of the year. However, they have decided to shift their focus to other top targets in the recent past.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona have decided to reactivate their operation to sign Tielemans on a Bosman move in the upcoming summer transfer window. They are currently in the transfer market to rope in a long-term successor for Busquets, who is expected to depart his boyhood club at the end of his contract this summer.
However, the Catalan giants are still unsure about adding the Anderlecht academy graduate to their squad ahead of next season. They still have to lighten their books to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules. Moreover, the La Liga leaders are also unaware of Frenkie de Jong's intention to remain at Camp Nou for another campaign.
Tielemans, who has helped Leicester lift two trophies so far, joined his current club from AS Monaco for £35 million in 2019 following a fruitful six-month loan. He has registered 28 goals and 25 assists in 192 games for them so far.
Barcelona-linked midfielder makes honest transfer admission
During a recent interaction with FxCarve, Liverpool Montevideo midfielder Fabricio Diaz was asked to address the transfer speculations involving him and Barcelona. He elaborated:
"It's a dream that a top club as big as Barcelona is eyeing me. It's really a fantastic feeling. I am calm about it all right now. I know that my agent will find the best option for me as soon as possible."
Diaz, 20, has emerged as one of the best talents in Uruguay since his professional debut for Liverpool Montevideo in 2020. He has helped his team lift the Supercopa Uruguaya trophy so far, cementing a first-team spot in the process.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and Liverpool Montevideo have reached an agreement worth €8 million for Diaz's signature this summer. The Catalan outfit are keen to initially incorporate the Uruguayan into their 'B' team.