As the summer transfer window inches closer, Barcelona are narrowing in on their targets to strengthen the squad for next season.
New manager Hansi Flick and the sporting department are in agreement that a pivot midfielder needs to be a priority signing for the summer.
Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich remains the main name on the agenda, with Flick even seeking a face-to-face meeting with the German international.
Pepelu an option for Barcelona
However, Barcelona are also keeping an eye on alternatives for the defensive pivot position and as per Mundo Deportivo, Valencia ace Pepelu has emerged on the radars.
The 25-year-old Spaniard signed for Los Che only last year, arriving from Levante, and has excelled in Ruben Baraja’s side.
The midfielder featured 39 times across all competitions for Valencia in his debut season, even scoring eight goals and chipping in with an assist.
Pepelu made an impression as part of a double pivot in Baraja’s Valencia side and it appears that he has caught the attention of Barcelona.
Indeed, scouts of the Catalan club are understood to have good reports on the 25-year-old, who is known for his physicality, power, as well as exceptional vision.
Pepelu not the only Valencia player on Barcelona’s radar
Interestingly, though, Pepelu is not the only Valencia player that Barcelona are monitoring, with the Catalans also tracking his midfield partner Javi Guerra.
The young midfielder would possibly be available for around €20 million in the summer, although Barcelona are not ruling out offering players as part of the deal.
So, it remains to be seen whether Barça go after Pepelu or Guerra or decide for a completely different player in their search for a new pivot.
