Barcelona identifies three-man shortlist to replace €50m midfielder

Paulinho is close to leaving the club after a successful season with Barcelona.

The Brazilian midfielder has a €50m offer on the table from China, and various reports from Spanish outlet suggest he could be on his way out. Arthur Melo yesterday confirmed his move to Barcelona, which has come as a boost to the Catalan club. But Barcelona look unlikely to rest as Mundo Deportivo claims the club has identified a three-man shortlist to replace Paulinho.

Barca have reportedly had their first bid rejected for Willian, and are set to make another bid for the Brazilian midfielder. Apart from Willian, the club is also keen on making a move for either Adrien Rabiot or Frenkie de Jong.

Frenkie de Jong is linked to Barcelona ever since the start of the transfer window. Spanish outlet Sport earlier reported that Ajax are demanding a fee in the region of €50m for the Dutch youngster.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona will only bring one of the three midfielders, and are particularly interested in the Rabiot and De Jong. The Spanish outlet believes that Barcelona are losing interest in Willian due to his high price.

Willian is reportedly set to command a €80m fee, which Barcelona believes is too high for a player who will turn 30 this season.

None of the three players are in the World Cup, which gives Barcelona ample time to pursue them. With the departure of Andres Iniesta from the team and an ageing Sergio Busquets, Barcelona need to make important decisions to make a strengthened squad for the next summer.