Barcelona Transfer News: Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio Interest, Top Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly considering moves for AC Milan defenders Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio, as well as Juventus' Stephan Lichtsteiner, as they look to add depth at right-back. 

According to Fichajes (h/t Goal), the Rossoneri pair are on the Blaugrana's radar after they missed out on Arsenal's Hector Bellerin; the Spain international had been linked with a return to Barcelona but signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners on Monday.

Additionally, it's been reported by Alvise Cagnazzo of the Sun that Barcelona could also move for Lichtsteiner, who has been usurped at Juventus by Blaugrana icon Dani Alves.

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With Aleix Vidal struggling for game time under manager Luis Enrique, Sergi Roberto has done an admirable job in the right-back slot that was vacated by Alves in the summer. But, as noted by Kieran Canning of AFP, while he started well in the position, he's been less assured as of late:

As such, it would be no big surprise to see Barcelona make a January acquisition in this area of the pitch.

The one most likely to excite supporters is Abate. The Italian may be 30 years old and his best days may be behind him, but it's easy to see him potentially blossoming at the Camp Nou. The Italy international loves to raid forward on the overlap and has searing pace to offer a penetrative threat from wide positions.

Additionally, he's tenacious in his defensive work and has the energy to recover position should Milan be countered on. Here's a closer examination of what he'd bring to Catalonia:

This season, with Abate tearing forward on the right flank, Milan have utilised De Sciglio in the left-back slot and the 24-year-old has thrived.

While he may not be as dynamic a presence as Abate, he offers an assurance and composure on the left flank, especially in terms of his defensive duties. De Sciglio is smart in possession, physical in his defending and alert to cut out any danger funnelled down the opposition's right wing.

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Additionally, he's adept at operating on either side of the defence, something that's always a desirable trait for a manager. Here's how the Milan pair fare statistically in comparison to Roberto this term:

	Abate	De Sciglio	Roberto
Apps (Sub)	10	10 (1)	9
Goals	0	0	0
Assists	1	1	4
Key passes per game	0.6	0.5	2.2
Passing accuracy	77.8%	84.9%	87%
Dribbles per game	0.3	0.2	1.4
Tackles per game	2.7	2.5	2.8
Interceptions per game	1.5	1.6	2

Lichtsteiner would be another intriguing option for Barca. This season he's made just six starts for Juventus in the league, which will represent something of a culture shock to the Swiss having been a key man in Turin for so long. Having fallen behind Alves in the pecking order, a new challenge at a grand club like the Blaugrana could be an appealing prospect.

While he possesses plenty of experience at the top level, Bleacher Report's Adam Digby recently expressed some concerns about the 32-year-old:

With that in mind, Barcelona may not be too keen to land Lichtsteiner. A fresh start at the Camp Nou could invigorate the Juve man, while Enrique could utilise him sparingly to ensure he remains in shape. However, playing as a full-back for the Blaugrana requires unrelenting energy, and it's doubtful whether Lichtsteiner possesses that industry anymore.

Abate and De Sciglio both do on recent evidence, with each player key to Milan's strong start to the Serie A season. Abate would be an ideal stylistic fit and potentially the cheaper option, although if the Blaugrana are keen to secure a new right-back who'll be in place for years to come, De Sciglio would be worth the greater outlay.