Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Juan Cuadrado and Marlon Santos

Barcelona are reportedly weighing up a move for Juventus wide man Juan Cuadrado to ease their full-back woes, per Ignasi Oliva of Goal.

The Catalan giants have failed to find a long-term replacement for Dani Alves after his switch to Serie A, and the Colombian may well be the man for the job.

Back in the summer, Barcelona were rumoured to be eyeing up a big-money move for Cuadrado, according to beIN Sports, and that interest could reignite as soon as January.

Aleix Vidal has been standing in at right-back for Luis Enrique’s side this term, but Oliva writes that the 27-year-old seemingly doesn’t have a future at the Camp Nou.

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Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto operating as a stand-in full-back is hardly a future-proof plan, which almost sends Enrique directly to the transfer market.

Cuadrado isn’t quite an out-and-out right-back, either, although whenever Colombia have called on him to take up the role, he’s flourished.

His attacking style of play is perfect for Barca, while the expert team at the Camp Nou can nurture him into the ideal Alves replacement.

It’ll likely cost a pretty penny to lure Cuadrado away from the clutches of Juventus and parent club Chelsea, and as Barcelona are reportedly only willing to part with €20 million for his services, they may well have to look elsewhere.

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Barcelona’s top right-back target is believed to be Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, according to Spanish outlet Marca (via Jack Austin of Independent).

In other news, Barca are set to sign Marlon Santos on a permanent deal before the end of the calendar year.

Joaquim Piera of Spanish newspaper Sport writes that by the terms of Santos’ loan deal from Fluminese, Barcelona can land the centre-back on a permanent deal for €6 million.

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The versatile 21-year-old has been an ever-present for Barcelona B and is pushing hard for a place in the first team.

Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, but fielding makeshift players isn’t the way to ensure success.

The January transfer window will give Enrique a chance to bring in players who can make the famous blue-and-red shirt their own and set about fighting for domestic and European trophies.