Barcelona are tracking Ajax’s Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez

The club want to sign a long-term Busquets replacement in January

Barcelona want to sign a pivot in January to bolster their midfield. The club want to bring someone in to ease the more than likely departure of Sergio Busquets next summer. They are looking at various players across Europe. One of them is the Mexican Edson Alvarez, at Ajax, a club who Barça have a good relationship with.

Alvarez, 24, has proved himself in European football and has quickly adapted to the way Ajax player, which has some similarities with Barça. The Mexican’s form has not gone unnoticed and the Dutch club received an offer worth close to €50 million from Chelsea this past summer. At that moment, Ajax did not want to sell as it was late in the window and tough to find a replacement.

Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder, Ronald Koeman’s No2 at Barça, has been full of praise for Alvarez. He says he already plays as if he has been the captain of the club for many years. Barça have been scouting him closely this season, especially in the Champions League games against Rangers, Napoli and Liverpool to get a better reading of his level and his potential.

Barça are also watching Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez and PSV’s Sangare. Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has also been offered to the club. The debate goes on as to who is the best option.