Marseille star Mathieu Valbuena is attracting interest from La Liga champions Barcelona who clearly see something in the creative French international.
With Thiago Alcantara leaving the Camp Nou to join European champions Bayern Munich and Cesc Fabregas’ future at the club uncertain, the Blaugrana are looking at options in midfield.
Should Fabregas join Manchester United this summer, it would leave the transfer kitty at the Camp Nou looking very healthy indeed and the club would be likely to splash out on a new playmaker.
Valbuena’s performances in Ligue 1 have made him an attractive prospect for the Spanish giants, who have been in talks with the player’s agent Christophe Hutteau.
He told La Provence: “I can only confirm I had talks with Barca sport director Andoni Zubizarreta about Mathieu some time ago.
“As his whole technical staff considers Mathieu to be a very good player, they all appreciate him.”
Valbuena’s confidence on the ball and his ability to pick a pass and move would mean he would fit in perfectly to the style of play Barca are famous for.
Tito Vilanova’s side walked away with the La Liga title last term but that won’t stop him strengthening his squad, with Real Madrid certain to spend big over the summer to close the gap.
Barca’s somewhat disappointing showing in Europe will also be a driving force behind new players coming in and Valbuena could be one of a few names who will join marquee signing Neymar at the Camp Nou before the end of the transfer deadline.
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andym
Founder and chief editor of La Liga Blog, Andy fell in love with Spanish football after a university placement year in the Costa Del Sol. His favourite Tapas is Albondigas and on Saturday afternoons, Andy can regularly be found trying to emulate his hero Carles Puyol for his amateur football team.