Barca-Juventus transfer battle: Clubs to lock horn over top targets – Reports

Barca-Juventus transfer battle: The two European giants will reportedly be locking horns in the transfer market over their top transfer targets.

Barcelona are struggling in the La Liga at the moment. The Catalan club dropped to second place in the league last weekend as they were held to a draw by Valencia. Sevilla have surprisingly taken the lead in the La Liga table.

Barca were benefitted from Real Madrid’s slump in form, but face a tough time in the league themselves.

Barcelona are winless since their last four matches in La Liga, and suffered a stunning defeat to the-then bottom-placed side Leganes last month.

International break couldn’t have come at a better time for the La Liga giants, as players return to start afresh in the domestic season.

In the meantime, Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the transfer market. According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already taken a big step over the acquisition of Adrien Rabiot. Now, Italian media outlet Calciomercato claims that Barcelona will not only lock horns with Juventus for Rabiot, but also for Matthijs de Ligt.

Barca-Juventus transfer battle

The Italian outlet claims that Barcelona will be rivalling Juventus in the transfer market for the two players. Barcelona were linked heavily with de Ligt and Rabiot throughout the summer, but no deal was put on the table.

Adrien Rabiot has rejected PSG’s third and possibly final contract offer, meaning he could be available in January or next summer. The contract he rejected stands at around €7.2m a year + add ons.

— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) October 2, 2018

Recently, Adrien Rabiot denied a third contract offer from Paris Saint Germain, and has reportedly shown interest in signing for Barcelona.

Barcelona’s technical director Eric Abidal has been working relentlessly to secure a deal for the French midfielder, according to reports from Spain.

Adrien Rabiot has turned down a third offer of a contract extension from Paris Saint-Germain.

The midfielder’s deal expires at the end of the current season and that has attracted interest in him from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona (Mail) pic.twitter.com/6RgYOntWir

— Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) October 4, 2018

Calciomercato claims that de Ligt could cost Barcelona €50m. The 19-year old defender has already made 74 appearances for Ajax since making his debut for the club in the 2016/17 season.

De Ligt once again showed how mature and smart he is for his age. One of the best players on the pitch, even though all Ajax players had a great game. He’s a once in a lifetime talent. A true heir to Pique. Has everything we need in a player and is a born leader. pic.twitter.com/m8QeGqFc0f

— Matthew® (@mattbolistic) October 2, 2018

However, it isn’t mentioned whether both the clubs will make the move in January, or wait until the summer.

What next?

Barcelona are going through a defensive crisis at the moment, as their key performer Samuel Umtiti is out with injury, while Gerard Pique is struggling with form. Their underwhelming performance at the back is reflected in their performances this season, as Ernesto Valverde’s side is currently on a four-match winless streak in the La Liga.