Bayern Munich of Germany’s Nigerian-born left-back, Dacvid Olatokunbo Alaba has entered the summer transfer radar of Barcelona of Spain, with The Catalan giants said to be back in the hunt for his signature, megasportsarena.com reports.
Several years after first indicating a wish to have Alaba in their ranks, Barcelona are ready to revive their long-term interest in the Austrian international, despite the fact that his current ties him to Bayern until 2021, and only a hefty fee can prise him away from The Bavarians.
However, a report by Mundo Deportivo states that Barca are turning to Alaba in a desperate move this time around, after being frustrated in their negotiations with anotrher Spanish club, Real Betis, over their hopes of getting Junior Firpo this summer.
Barcelona see Firpo as cover for Jordi Alba, but Betis’ price is deemed too steep for a player who would not be a first-choice, and The Catalans are now ready to spend bigger money on a player who can compete without any laxity for a spot in their first team.
The man who fits the bills is 27-year-old Alaba, who also holds Nigerian and Philippines nationality, and Barca are now preparing an offer for the vastly exposed wing-back.
The Nou Camp club’s hopes of Alaba could have received a boost by recent developments affecting the player in Munich, where he is said to be facing a cloud of doubt and likely blight in the coming season, due to the arrival of a new rival and disagreement with the top brass.
Alaba, who once claimed he was asked to pay a bribe in order to get a place in Nigeria’s under-17 squad, Golden Eaglets, has rejected new contract talks with Bayern and has seen his status come under threat with the arrival of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid.
