According to Diario Sport, Barcelona has begun preparing for potential changes in their defense and recently contacted people close to Pedro Porro to learn about the Tottenham full-back's situation and potential transfer terms.
This contact doesn't mean the Spanish international is Barcelona's top priority, nor does it indicate that Barcelona has decided to pursue his signing. According to the report, this is just an initial inquiry, as Koundé's situation could trigger a chain reaction. Barcelona wants to assess their options in the transfer market to prepare for the possibility that the French defender might receive a satisfactory offer and consider leaving.
Koundé returned to pre-season training on Tuesday. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2030 after his last extension, but Arsenal have been closely monitoring his situation. Arteta believes the French defender perfectly fits their need to strengthen their defense. His ability to play both centre-back and right-back makes him very attractive to the London club.
Polo is an option
At Barcelona, all parties are still awaiting further developments. Koundé needs to speak with Flick to understand the German coach's plans directly, although his current stance remains to stay at the club. The sporting management is willing to explore a significant offer, provided the player himself decides to move, especially since selling him would free up funds for other moves.
In this situation, Pedro Porro comes into focus. Barcelona wants to figure out what kind of situation they would face if they needed to fill a void left by a player on the market. The 26-year-old Extremadura native was a key player in Spain's World Cup victory and had excellent chemistry with Yamal. He has experience in La Liga and the Premier League and possesses many of the full-back qualities that Flick highly values.
However, Polo isn't the absolute first choice, as Flick is also considering playing Eric Garcia at right-back, and Javi Esparte has similarly convinced the coaching staff during preseason. On the other hand, Balde and Cancelo also offer options; the latter, if he ultimately joins, can also play on the right flank, thus filling Flick's needs.
