Barcelona are reportedly set to make a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who is also a summer target for Real Madrid.
According to a report by TransferMarketWeb, Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Thiago Alcantara, who is ready to leave Bayern Munich this summer. Bitter rivals Real Madrid are also keen on signing the Spanish international.
Thiago has seen his career take off since leaving Barcelona to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013. The last five seasons have seen him progress leaps and bounds to establish himself as one of the best creative midfielders in the world. But, his future at the Allianz Arena looks highly uncertain.
Widespread reports have suggested that the player is ready to leave Bayern Munich, who are also willing to selling him this summer. With Thiago available for transfer, several clubs are clamouring to secure his services, the biggest of them being Real Madrid and Barcelona.
At Real Madrid, the future of Luka Modric is uncertain, with the Croat open to departing from the Bernabeu. With Mateo Kovacic also rumoured to be on the exit trail, the need to bolster their creative options is urgent for the European champions.
Thiago is thus, a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Spaniard capable of being an almost like-for-like replacement for Modric. But, Los Blancos could be fighting a losing battle, with Barcelona now ready to launch the offensive for the player.
Andres Iniesta’s departure has hit the Blaugrana’s creative options, with Philippe Coutinho likely to shoulder much of the burden in the upcoming season. Ivan Rakitic turned 30 this year, and is unlikely to stay for a long time at Barcelona, which means Thiago’s return would bolster Ernesto Valverde’s options considerably.
It has been widely reported that the 27-year-old is eager to return to his boyhood club as well, which gives Barcelona a major advantage over Real Madrid in his pursuit. He is also unlikely to take long to adjust upon returning to Camp Nou, despite missing the Catalans’ pre-season tour.
A move away from the Allianz Arena beckons for the Spanish international. Real Madrid face an uphill task in their bid to land him. With Barcelona ready to make their move for him, it is looking increasingly likely that Thiago could be primed to return to Camp Nou and fulfill the prophecy of being the Blaugrana’s future for a long time.
