Barcelona have been very active in exploring the free agent market in Europe as they hope to consolidate their squad with a massive overhaul this summer. According to several reports, the Catalan club are now in a pole position to sign Franck Kessie from AC Milan and Andreas Christensen for free once their contracts expire in a few months.
Barcelona have been on a roll this season. The appointment of Xavi Hernandez as well as the signings made in the winter transfer window have all helped to improve the quality of the squad and the Spanish giants have made significant strides in La Liga and the Europa League recently.
Impressive wins against Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao in the domestic league as well as against Napoli in the Europa League show that the Blaugrana are on the right track and all of the winter signings – Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – have managed to click.
Due to a shortage of funds, the Catalan club are expected to explore the free agent market actively this summer as well. Marca reports that Barcelona are looking to sign Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Noussair Mazraoui and Cesar Azpilicueta for free this summer and as per latest updates, they are in pole position to land Christensen and Kessie.
Franck Kessie is expected to complete the midfield for Xavi and he brings a different profile and skillset to the team. Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, Nico and Sergio Busquets are expected to stay at the club this summer and Kessie is expected to complete the Barcelona midfield. It is believed that the Spanish side have offered him a contract worth 6.5 million euros a year.
“Barça’s interest in Kessie? It’s normal, his contract is about to expire and we still don’t have an agreement. The stance is the one dictated by the club, we absolutely will not deviate from it,”
said AC Milan’s sporting director Paolo Maldini.
Coming to Christensen, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that agreement with Barcelona is advanced and they are in direct contact with his agents. Barcelona have also improved their offer for the Danish defender but Bayern Munich are also expected to be in the race.
It is no secret that Barcelona are trying to save as much money as possible with smart signings in order to go after star striker Erling Haaland. Haaland is expected to launch a major bidding war involving all of Europe’s biggest club and Barcelona president Joan Laporta hopes to win the race.
