Tottenham face competition for world-class £70m target from Barcelona

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FC Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, with Tottenham also keen to sign the centre-back, who could leave Italy in the January transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Hernandez is looking to make free-agent signings in 2023, with Skriniar one of the many top players set to let their contract expire next summer if the defender doesn’t win a move this winter, with Barcelona also looking at signing the likes of Inigo Martinez.

With Barcelona spending heavily this summer despite their well-publicised financial problems, signing players for free might be a smart move from the Catalan side despite how much the wage bill could go up by in the process, with Skriniar a talent who would cost a fair bit on the payroll.

The Inter star is regarded by many as a world-class defender and one of the best in all of Europe. And as reported by L’Equipe, PSG were eager to sign Skriniar in the summer with a reported bid of £70m, an offer that was seemingly rejected by the Italian giants for the Tottenham target.

With interest high in Skriniar, Tottenham face an even bigger mountain to climb if they’re to land the Slovakian international. And even if with Antonio Conte as manager, who guided Inter to the Serie A title with the 27-year-old defender as a star player, competition from Barcelona could make this a losing battle.

Indeed, Barcelona are desperate for defensive reinforcements with Gerard Pique likely to leave the club at the end of this season. And in terms of centre-backs currently in their prime heading for free agency, none can even compete with what Skriniar has to offer.

Tottenham could lose Skriniar signing race to Barcelona in 2023

Skriniar looks all but certain to leave Inter next year. Yet which club the defender joins is another debate entirely, with Barcelona, PSG and Tottenham all firmly in the race to sign the centre-back. Yet following this update, the Catalan side could stand the best chance at landing the Slovakian.

After all, Barcelona are making impressive strides under Xavi’s managership, and Skriniar would be a guaranteed starter in Catalonia if he chose the La Liga giants over PSG or Tottenham, with Barca also proving the defender with a great shot to win regular silverware in a competitive league.