Barcelona monitor promising German defender as Real Madrid and Inter Milan circle | OneFootball

The center-back was one of the main positions FC Barcelona were reportedly looking to strengthen at the start of the last summer transfer window, but as the market progressed, the Blaugranes relegated this area to a lower position in their list of priorities. Ultimately, they ended the transfer window without signing a center-back.

The main reason they did not address this area of the pitch was the presence of Gerard Martin, who had impressed in this position late in the last season, and emerged to become a reliable option for Hansi Flick. Similarly, Andreas Christensen had also signed a new contract after recovering from his injuries.

However, the Catalans are still keeping an eye on some emerging center-backs. In this regard, SPORT cites Sky Germany to claim that a scout from Barcelona was present in the UEFA Champions League match between Stuttgart and Viking Stavanger, mainly to monitor the young defender Finn Jeltsch.

The German center-back has been impressing with Stuttgart for some time now, and has seen his market value rise up to €35 million. However, the Bundesliga side has denied there being any negotiations open for him, despite him being linked with several big European sides.

Among these sides there is Inter Milan, as their scouts have also been closely monitoring the young German. However, it has been Real Madrid whose interest has put Jeltsch in the spotlight, as reports emerged of the Merengues’ interest in him a week ago. Jose Mourinho’s side is reportedly looking for another center-back to replace Antonio Rudiger.

Meanwhile, Barcelona themselves have been looking for center-backs that suit Hansi Flick’s style of play. One player they liked was Ruud Nijstad, but FC Twente did not agree on a reasonable price for his transfer with the Catalans, and now, it remains whether it would be Finn Jeltsch for whom they make an advance in the coming weeks or months.