As Inter reportedly hesitate on a move for Bayern Munich ace Arturo Vidal, Barcelona are said to be keen to hijack their move for the midfield superstar.
The Catalan giants are arguably short in that department after losing Andres Iniesta and Paulinho this summer, albeit they have since signed youngster Arthur to fill one of the voids.
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In order for Ernesto Valverde’s squad to compete for major honours on multiple fronts though, more quality and depth is perhaps needed to launch a sustained assault in the upcoming campaign.
According to respected Sky Sport Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, their search for midfield reinforcements has taken them to Vidal, with Inter said to have previously been in pole position to take the Chilean international back to Italy after his successful spell with Juventus, which brought him four Serie A titles and many other accolades.
However, while they switch their sights to Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric, it’s claimed by Di Marzio that Barcelona have swooped in and could be on the verge of reaching an agreement with the 31-year-old as they’re said to be ‘very close’.
It’s arguably the ideal replacement for Paulinho to offer energy, tenacity and defensive coverage in midfield, allowing the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Arthur and Philippe Coutinho to express themselves in the final third.
More than that though, Vidal has proven to be an attacking threat himself, and so along with the experience and winning pedigree that he has developed over the years in Italy and Germany, it could be an astute addition for Barcelona to strengthen their hopes of immediate success next season.
Nevertheless, given he turns 32 next year, it remains to be seen what the terms of the potential deal are to assess whether or not it’s value for money.