La Liga giants Barcelona are interested in signing Udinese right-back Nahuel Molina, a report from TuttoSport (via Sport) declared.
Barca has experienced a difficult 2021-22 campaign. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage, missed the Copa del Rey, and finished second in La Liga, 13 points behind champions Real Madrid.
Xavi’s men will be looking to improve their performances next season, with it important to consolidate certain positions.
Xavi has been unimpressed with Barcelona’s right-back options in the 2021-22 campaign, neither Dani Alves nor Sergino Dest earning his unwavering confidence.
The Catalan giants hope to strengthen the region by bringing in Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea, but the Blues are said to be reluctant to facilitate his transfer. Preparing for the worst, Barca sporting director Mateu Alemany is scouring the market for a capable right-back, and Molina has emerged as one of interest.
According to Italian newspaper TuttoSport, Blaugrana is the latest name on the list of people who would be suitable for an attacking full-back. JuventusAtletico Madrid and Arsenal are also monitoring the 24-year-old defender.
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are chasing Udinese’s Nahuel Molina. While Juventus are still leading the race for his signature, Udinese is demanding 30 million euros for him. This through @tuttosport. https://t.co/Adbh79HJgs
The Argentine right-back, who has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 37 games across all competitions during the 2021-22 season, has a contract until June 2026.
Molina was also a regular on Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team, which further shows his ability to develop in different systems. The full-back is currently valued at 20 million euros, but Udinese wants 30 million euros for their budding star.
Juventus are favorite target to sign Barcelona’s Nahuel Molina
Similar to Barcelona, Juventus also experienced a difficult 2021-22 campaign. They finished 4th in Serie A and failed to make their mark in any cup competition.
The Bianconeri are set to bolster their squad for better value next term, and Molina is arguably a player they appreciate.
Plenty of rumors and reports link Nahuel Molina from Udinese to Atletico and Juventus. If yes or no, he has the potential to be one of the best in the world in his position. He is a smart player who is flying under the radar of many clubs. https://t.co/UeCPRxQa0j
Interests from Barca, Atletico and Arsenal can complicate things, but Juventus are the favorites to put Molina on their books. General manager Udinese himself wanted Molina to play for an Italian team and encouraged Juve to leave.
In a recent interview, Pierpaolo Marino said (via BeSoccer):
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“I hope an Italian team has Nahuel Molina. Juventus has enough capacity for him. ”
Barca may have to engage in a bidding war with the Italians to sign Molina, which they could face difficulty unless selling a few players.
Also read: ‘Beat Barcelona 4-3 at Camp Nou’ – Ex-Barca boss says beating them was ‘happiest day of his life’
