AS Roma in leading position to sign La Liga right-back linked with Barcelona switch | OneFootball

While Barcelona have yet to make any moves to sign a right-back this summer, it is no secret that Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano has long been on their radar.

However, according to AS, the Romanian defender is now slipping out of Barcelona’s grasp as Roma have stepped up their efforts to secure his signature.

The Serie A club are pushing hard and currently lead the race to bring the 27-year-old right-back to Italy.

Roma are clear favourites

Roma have overtaken other rivals such as Lazio in this pursuit. Reports suggest the Italian giants are making every effort to finalise a deal quickly, seeing Ratiu as their main target for the right-back position.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, have set a €25 million release clause for Ratiu, which Roma are ready to meet.

Andrei Ratiu is set to move to Roma. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona remain interested but are falling behind as Roma make their move.

Barcelona have different priority

Although Ratiu’s name has been circulating in Barcelona’s offices, signing a right-back is not currently their top priority. The Catalan club is still exploring various opportunities in the market and weighing their options.

Recently, Jorge Mendes offered Barcelona the chance to sign Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries, but so far, the club have not taken any concrete steps to secure his services.

As Roma work to complete their deal, it is worth noting that Rayo Vallecano will not keep all the money from Ratiu’s sale, as Villarreal still own 50% of the player’s rights.

For now, Barcelona feel the right-back position is perfectly covered with Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia also showing versatility to occupy that space. However, if there is an opportunity, the team will grab it.