Serie A defender wants to wait for Barcelona despite Chelsea and Atletico Madrid interest | OneFootball

Barcelona started the summer transfer window like a bullet train, moving ahead of everyone else to wrap up a deal for Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon.

Slowly, though, since that deal happened, they have metamorphosed into a freight train, taking their own sweet time before making the next move.

So many players are linked with Barça on a daily basis, but the Catalan club are yet to go in strongly for another player, except for the solitary bid they submitted for Julian Alvarez.

Among the many names on the club’s radar is versatile Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, who is liked by the Catalan club.

The Italian defender is versatile and can play on either flank. With the full-back department at Barça crying out for depth, someone like Cambiaso would prove to be a floor-raising signing.

Cambiaso keeps Barça as priority

According to SPORT, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have both sounded out the Juventus defender over a potential transfer this summer.

Cambiaso wants Barcelona move. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

However, Cambiaso, who is already in contact with Barcelona, is keen to wait for a potential opportunity to wear Blaugrana.

The situation is not advanced, but it is one Barça should monitor carefully. They cannot wait forever, especially with other clubs lurking.

Juventus renewed Cambiaso’s contract until June 2029, which also means this will not be a cheap operation for Barça by any stretch of the imagination.

That said, the Italian club are said to be willing to consider offers this summer, with a transfer fee of around €30 million being floated.

Balde shapes the whole plan

Everything depends on Alejandro Balde. Barça have both Cambiaso and Alejandro Grimaldo on the list in case Balde leaves this summer, but the current feeling is that the academy product will stay unless a huge offer arrives.

Alejandro Balde’s future is far from secure. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Balde has had a complicated period in terms of role and prominence, but he is still young, homegrown and physically gifted.

Selling him should only be considered if the offer is impossible to ignore. At the same time, Barça cannot ignore the tactical question.

Hansi Flick needs full-backs who can handle intensity, recovery runs and inventive decisions in possession.

Cambiaso would bring versatility, but he would also arrive with a cost and the expectation of playing.

Barça should not rush the move

The priority for Barça is, and has to be, signing Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international can cover both defensive flanks. He is coming off a loan spell where he impressed for Flick’s side.

Cambiaso is an attractive market idea because he is a specialist, experienced and seemingly open to Barça.

However, the better option would be to sign Cancelo, keep Balde and give the Spaniard a chance to come into his own in the upcoming season.