Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Yeray Alvarez, Fresh Blaugrana Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez, as they seek to bolster their defensive options in the summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), the Blaugrana are on the lookout for a new centre-back and technical director Robert Fernandez is considering options. Alvarez is reportedly one, with the 22-year-old said to have a €30 million (£25 million) release clause in his contract.

In the piece, it’s suggested Barcelona have also held an interest in Alvarez’s club team-mate Aymeric Laporte, although his release clause of €65 million (£55 million) is too costly.

Alvarez has impressed when on the field this term, too. As we can see here, he’s a capable defender:

The youngster is the type of defender who'd potentially blossom with Barcelona. Alvarez is positionally aware, regularly stepping into spaces to intercept opposition passes. Additionally, he’s excellent in one-on-one situations and extremely composed in possession.

As noted below, the centre-back was hit with some devastating news earlier in the campaign when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, although he’s battled back:

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge has been impressed with the spirit the Athletic Club man has showcased:

"

Yeray really is a force too. Going through what he did and to come back like this. Genuine option for Spain at CB, make no mistake. #LaLiga

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) March 12, 2017"

For €30 million, Barcelona may see value for money in Alvarez. Not only is he stylistically a fine fit for the Camp Nou club and a cheaper alternative to Laporte, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in his game. With Samuel Umtiti at the club, too, Barca's defensive structure would be in safe hands for years to come.

According to Sport, veteran defenders Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu could be on their way out of Barcelona at the end of the campaign. A young player like Alvarez coming in would be a refreshing change.

Barca Monitoring Marco Verratti

Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Marco Verratti’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain, according to Mundo Deportivo (via Le10 Sport, Calciomercato.com).

In the report it’s noted that Fernandez is keeping track of everything going on regarding the Italy international, with Chelsea, Juventus, Arsenal and Inter Milan also said to be interested in the player. Barcelona reportedly want to be in a position to make a significant offer should the chance arise.

Per the piece, any deal for Verratti would eventually cost in excess of €100 million (£85 million) once his wages and bonuses are taken into account. 

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The Azzurri playmaker has been superb for PSG this season and has long established himself as one of the best midfielders in the game. He has suggested recently he’s keen to remain in the French capital, too:

However, the rumours persist, and given his attributes, it’s no surprise Barcelona are continually linked with the player; the Blaugrana are renowned for having some of the best technical midfielders in world football.

Yet as of late, per sports journalist Rafael Hernandez, Barcelona have not utilised these types of footballers frequently:

If Verratti was to arrive that would surely change. Although the 24-year-old is not to the standard of Andres Iniesta or former Barca maestro Xavi Hernandez, he’s a player who can take the ball under pressure, shake off a marker and find an incisive pass. The Italian would make a massive difference in that area of the field.

PSG would not want to part ways with a player who's so crucial to their own project, though, especially as they seek to build a team capable of challenging for the UEFA Champions League. If Barca or any of the teams aforementioned want him, they will need to spend a lot of money.