Reports: Barcelona close to sealing deal for Bayern Munich superstar

What's the rumour?

Barcelona have not been afraid to spend money in recent transfer windows and now latest reports in Spanish daily Don Balon claim that the Blaugrana are in pole position to sign Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba.

The same report also goes on to claim that Real Madrid are also interested in signing the talented 25-year-old full-back, but Barcelona are well ahead of their great rivals in the race to sign the Austrian international.

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Barcelona bound?

One of Bayern Munich's most consistent performers, David Alaba has put in some very good performances for the Bundesliga leaders this season. Having been in Bayern Munich since 2009, the Austrian made his senior debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a first-team regular.

Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in world football at the moment, reports in Goal suggest that Barcelona might have to cough up close to £70 million to sign the 25-year-old in the summer transfer window.

The heart of the matter

Jordi Alba has been in fine form for Barcelona this season, but the addition of Alaba will definitely add depth and quality to the already excellent Barcelona squad. Also, with Real Madrid keen on the Austrian international, the Blaugrana will be eager to get the deal across the line as soon as possible.

Barcelona have shown that they are not afraid to spend money in the transfer market. Having spent huge money on the signings of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho in the last two transfer windows, David Alaba might just become their marquee signing of the coming transfer window.

Rumour rating/probability

5/10

While Barcelona might genuinely be interested in signing the Austrian, Bayern Munich will not want to sell one of their prized assets. A fee of £70 million is not very big for the Bundesliga giants and Barcelona might find it tough to actually complete the signing of the 25-year-old left-back.

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Author's take

While Alaba is undoubtedly a world class player, Barcelona are well stocked in the left-back position with the likes of Jordi Alba and Lucas Digne. To spend £70 million on a position where they already have two quality options does not make sense and Barcelona will do well to strengthen in other positions in the summer transfer window.