Barcelona is reportedly closely monitoring six players at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 in Ivory Coast, with a particular interest in a Chelsea target.
As per Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s scouts are actively present at the tournament, identifying six players for the club’s attention.
Among them is 21-year-old midfielder Pape Matar Sarr from Senegal, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur. Despite having a long-term contract with Spurs until 2030, his standout performances at AFCON have captured Barcelona’s interest.
Another player under consideration is 20-year-old Ghanaian forward Ernest Nuamah, who is currently on loan at Olympique Lyon from RWD Molenbeek.
While his limited playtime at AFCON might affect Barcelona’s interest, his commendable form at the club, contributing seven goals across 21 games this season, is noteworthy.
Yankuba Minteh, a 19-year-old attacker from Gambia on loan at Feyenoord from Newcastle United, has also attracted Barcelona’s attention. Despite not scoring at AFCON, his promising performances, including four goals and two assists in 18 matches across competitions, make him a prospect for the Catalan club.
Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande, a target for various top clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle United, is unsurprisingly on Barcelona’s radar. The 20-year-old, a regular at Sporting CP, has displayed impressive performances for the host nation at AFCON.
Barcelona is also eyeing 21-year-old winger Dango Ouattara from Burkina Faso, who plays for Bournemouth in the Premier League. Excelling as a full-back, he showcases versatility by playing in advanced attacking roles for Burkina Faso.
Lastly, Nigerian defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika has garnered praise from Barcelona’s scouts at AFCON. The Club Brugge talent, with 32 appearances for his club this season, could be poised for a move to larger clubs if he continues to meet expectations.