Chelsea ace David Luiz and Arsenal’s Laurent Koscienly targeted by Barcelona
Spanish giants struggling with injuries at the back and are seeking an experienced replacement for long-term absentee Samuel Umtiti in January
DAVID LUIZ and Laurent Koscielny are both being targeted by Barcelona amid their defensive injury woes, according to reports.
It is understood the Spanish giants are looking for a quick fix to replace the injured Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen.
And according to , the Premier League pair have both been sounded out as potential options, despite Arsenal defender Koscielny not playing since May 3 due to an achilles tendon rupture.
Barca would look to sign an 'experienced and cheap' centre-back in January to provide support to Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet - but David Luiz is an ever-present in the Premier League this season and has starred under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.
It is believed the club would ideally offer a six-month contract at the Nou Camp with the option of an additional year come the end of the season.
Ajax starlet Mattjis de Ligt is thought to be Barcelona's top priority but is unlikely to be available until the summer transfer window opens.
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In the meantime, former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is a shock target on a list of potential defenders.
At 34, the Zenit defender would certainly fit the 'experienced and cheap' criteria.
Pantomime villain Pepe is another player on the list compiled by Mundo Deportivo.
But he would surely be an unpopular option among Barcelona fans after the Portugal defender, 35, spent ten years at Real Madrid.
Medhi Bentatia, Raul Albiol, Benedikt Howedes, Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida, Dante, Neven Subotic, Timothee Kolodziejczak, Adil Rami and Jose Fonte complete the underwhelming list of mediocre centre-backs all past their best.