The Catalan giants have set their sights on AS Roma’s Brazilian fullback Bruno Peres as the long term replacement for Dani Alves.
The effects of Dani Alves’ departure to Juventus are still being felt around the Nou Camp, 3 months into the 2016/17 campaign. The Catalan giants were linked with a number of top quality fullbacks all across Europe, and eventually managed to acquire Lucas Digne from Roma and Samuel Umtiti from Lyon. However, the problems at the back for Luis Enrique have persisted, especially at right back.
Sergi Roberto has stepped in at right back and has impressed when called upon, However, he suffered an injury which will keep him on the sidelines along with first choice left back Jordi Alba. So to add to Luis Enrique’s problems this season, they don’t have an established right back in the team other than Aleix Vidal, who has been frozen, out and the only player who could step in is now injured.
Now according to Spanish publication Fichajes, Barcelona have set their sights on Brazilian fullback Bruno Peres. The 26-year-old was a target for Arsenal in the summer whilst he was in Torino, but he was eventually loaned to Roma for a reported €1 million with an option to buy for €12.5 million at the end of the season.
Peres has continued his good form for Roma, making 11 appearances so far this season and getting a goal. While it is unlikely that Barcelona will be able to buy him in January, given that he is on loan, they may make an offer for him in the summer of 2017 along with Kostas Manolas. The Italian giants could exercise their option to buy the player and sell him off for a hefty profit to a Barcelona side becoming increasingly desperate and vulnerable on the defensive front.
Since arriving at Italy in the summer of 2014 from Santos, Peres has gone on to become an integral part of Torino’s squad and one of the best fullbacks in the Italian top flight. He is technically adept and has proven his versatility by playing on either left of right back when called upon. In 2 years at Torino, he made 67 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 12 assists and his robust attacking displays have often drawn comparisons to compatriot Dani Alves.
