With a transfer chest of over £200m available to spend, it would a bit tough for Barcelona to pick the right player for them. The Catalans made the first use of the large chunk of the money as they have roped in Brazilian midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande.
The Catalans have been pretty slow in the transfer market as this is their second major acquisition so far having wrapped up the signing of Nelson Semedo earlier. They will be looking for some more additions to the squad and if reports are to be believed, the Catalans are eyeing a deal for Southampton right back Cedric Soares.
The Portuguese defender has been one of the most sought after names in the current transfer market and has been eyed by a number of clubs. Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2015, the right back has been dominating the Premier League making him one of the most consistent players for the Saints.
Premier League giants Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the player. Antonio Conte is in dire need of a right wing back to provide competition to Victor Moses and Soares has emerged as a possible contender.
Barcelona did sign Nelson Semedo from Benfica but when it comes to totality, Soares is far ahead when compared to the youngster. The Catalan side have had problems regarding this position ever since the departure of Dani Alves.
Aleix Vidal was signed as a potential replacement for the Brazilian but his form was so pathetic that the Catalans had to convert Sergi Roberto into a makeshift right back to control the situation.
Soares will be available for less than £14m and his price has made him more attractive although the Saints are desperate to keep the player at the club. Over the last few years, Southampton have turned into a selling club following a number of big departures and Cedric could follow suit.
The 25-year-old was a pivotal part of the Euro Cup winning squad of Portugal and with World Cup emerging ahead he wants to make sure of his position at whichever club he moves to in future.
Having failed to lure another Premier League star Hector Bellerin, the Spanish giants want to make Soares their primary target. Semedo has a contract till 2020 and new manager Mauricio Pellegrino wouldn’t want any disruption in his preparation of this campaign. Although a formal offer is yet to be made, the Catalans are seriously considering a move for him.
