Bayern Munich accelerate talks for 25-year-old Barcelona defensive target- Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona lost one of their defensive leaders and the only left-footed center-back in their squad in the last summer window as Inigo Martinez joined the Saudi side Al-Nassr. His absence is already being felt in Hansi Flick’s squad, as the German coach has struggled to establish a consistent centre-back pairing so far this season.

In response, the Catalan club is exploring options to reinforce their defence and have been linked with several prominent names. One of the players attracting serious interest from the Catalan giants is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, whose situation is being closely monitored by some of Europe’s biggest clubs as his current deal is set to expire in the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Florian Plettenberg (via Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona will face strong competition from Bayern Munich for the 25-year-old England international.

Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has reportedly already initiated talks with Guehi’s representatives about a potential transfer. The German club’s move, however, will largely depend on the futures of their current defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae.

Bayern have intensified their pursuit of the player after learning that Barcelona, Liverpool, and even Real Madrid are also interested in securing his services. Liverpool had previously come close to signing him last summer, while Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on developments.

Although Barcelona’s main priority remains securing a left-footed centre-back to fill the gap left by Inigo Martinez’s departure, Marc Guehi’s profile, despite being right-footed, makes him one of the most highly regarded defensive talents in Europe.

With all these big clubs after him, and his current deal expiring next summer, it remains to be seen where the Ivorian defender would be playing next season.