Barcelona are hoping to sign Alvaro Morata’s contract this month with Arsenal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also on their shortlist.
The striker is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid but has long been linked with a move to Barca. At the beginning of the window, it is said that the agreement is about to be finalized but a month has passed without any agreement.
However, 90min understands that Barcelona have not given up hope of finding their man, with sources suggesting there is confidence in the club that Morata will join before Monday’s deadline.
Xavi is thought to be a big fan of the striker and has been pushing Blaugrana to take action in December.
The exact structure of the agreement is unclear, however. Because of the financial problems of the Catalan bullies, a permanent transfer may require someone to leave the club, making the loan possible.
If this does not happen, Barcelona has a reversal plan. They are long-time supporters of Aubameyang, who was recently stripped of his Arsenal captaincy post following several recent disciplinary hearings.
The striker was on loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr last week, who was willing to pay his full salary. The player was also unwilling to travel, and there are doubts as to whether he would like to join Barcelona as he enjoys living in London.
On the other hand, if Morata moves to Blaugrana, Aubameyang could be a Juventus option.
Elsewhere, Barça are close to an agreement with the Wolves over the transfer of Adam Traore – who was targeted by Tottenham this month. Traore arrived in Catalonia on Friday for a check-up.