Barcelona Shortlist Lazio’s €20m-Rated Luiz Felipe – But Face Problem Over Contract

?Barcelona are keeping tabs on Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe, who could be available for as little as €20m this summer.

The 22-year-old has been on the radar of a handful of clubs across Europe this season as he continues his development in Rome, most recently stepping up to fill the shoes of Stefan de Vrij, who joined Inter in the summer of 2018.

Barcelona are among the group of clubs who have been watching Felipe this season, and Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia) reports the club would be interested in making a move for him at the end of the season.

Barça could face a problem in their pursuit of Felipe, however, as the 22-year-old is currently in talks with Lazio to extend his contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

Felipe’s deal is due to expire in 2022, but a new long-term contract with Lazio will see any asking price or release clause more than double the €20m price tag which is currently being quoted.

Barcelona already have all their centre backs tied up at least until 2022, so Felipe’s arrival would likely be part of Eric Abidal’s long-term plan for the club rather than anything else.

Despite eyeing Felipe as a potential new recruit, most of Barcelona’s resources this summer are expected to go into their attack.

Inter’s Lautaro Martínez has emerged as the club’s ideal long-term successor for Luis Suárez, while they’re still considering a move to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international has fallen out of favour with the Parisiens top brass at times this season and the club look willing to let Neymar leave, especially if it would help them tie Kylian Mbappé down to a new long-term deal.

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