Barcelona are expected to bring a new left-back to the club in the current market to provide competition and support for Jordi Alba during the 2022-23 campaign.
Alba was one of his team's strongest performers during a difficult season, making 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and contributing 12 assists in the process.
However, the club's head coach Xavi is said to want another established left-sided defender this summer, with the Catalan outfit looking to challenge on all fronts next term.
With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at three left-backs that Barcelona could attempt to sign before the end of the summer transfer window.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
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Marcos Alonso is widely thought to be Barcelona's number one target for the left-back spot, with the Spain international said to be determined to move to Camp Nou.
The 31-year-old was an important player for the Blues during the 2021-22 campaign, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and six assists in the process.
Alonso's current deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire next summer, and he has often spoken of his desire to return to Spain, having played in England and Italy since leaving Real Madrid in 2010.
"On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we're at today. I've already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn't depend entirely on me," he recently told reporters.
"I can't complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there. It doesn't depend entirely on me and I'm happy at Chelsea, honestly."
Alonso has made 211 appearances for the Blues since his arrival from Fiorentina in 2016, contributing 29 goals and 23 assists in the process.
Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)
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Nicolas Tagliafico still has another 12 months left to run on his contract at Ajax, but the 29-year-old is widely expected to leave the Dutch champions during this summer's transfer window.
The Argentina international has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit allegedly attempting to sign him on more than one occasion over the last couple of years.
"Barca? The deal was complicated for the club in January - but I think that now, in June, it will be easier", Tagliafico told TNT Sport earlier this year after a proposed mid-season move broke down.
At the time, he also hit out at his side for seemingly blocking a switch to Camp Nou, telling AS: "They have their reasons but it's a shame. I feel that opportunities cannot be missed and this was a unique opportunity, being able to go to a club like Barca. For me it was a dream opportunity and they didn't help me in the end."
According to Marca, Tagliafico is seen as an alternative to Alonso, with the defender available for as little as €5m (£4.3m), which will be attractive to Barcelona considering their financial problems.
The South American has made 167 appearances for Ajax since arriving in Amsterdam in January 2018, contributing 16 goals and 22 assists in the process.
Javi Galan (Celta Vigo)
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Celta Vigo defender Javi Galan is also believed to have admirers at Barcelona, with a report earlier this year claiming that he was on the radar of the Catalan giants.
The 27-year-old joined Celta from Huesca last summer and was in strong form for Sky Blues during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing three assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Barcelona are impressed by Galan's 'speed and power', according to AS, and he is viewed by the club as the ideal player to provide support for Alba next term.
Galan's lack of European experience could count against him when it comes to a summer move, though, and Celta are also in a strong position to keep hold of him.
Indeed, the defender, who has made 90 La Liga appearances during his professional career, has another four years left to run on his contract in Vigo.
