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Barça News Barcelona step up pursuit of 18-year-old defensive prodigy as deadline day looms Many believe Barcelona’s late signing of Gabriel Jesus is the final move the club have made in this summer transfer window. The Arsenal man is expected to join the club on a cut-price deal of €10 million, with the player expected to serve as an alternative for Julian Alvarez, who remains at Atleti. However, it appears Barcelona are not done with the market just yet, with Deco now eyeing a late move for a new centre-back. Barcelona set their sights on Ruud Nijstad According to SPORT, Barcelona are interested in signing Ruud Nijstad, a left-footed centre-back playing for FC Twente. Currently just 18, Nijstad has impressed onlookers with his defensive qualities, which is coupled with his ability to carry the ball out from the back. Standing at a whopping 1.95m, the young Dutchman also a large wingspan, thus making him an imposing presence at the back. Many believe his profile is similar to Dean Huijsen. Barcelona’s urgency to sign Nijstad comes on the back of Alvaro Cortes’ recent departure, leaving the club without one more talented young centre-back. Deco believes Nijstad has what it takes to become the ideal signing for Barcelona, given his left-footed nature and the potential he has shown in the Eredivisie so far. A difficult operation for Barcelona That being said, Barcelona are expected to face major roadblocks in their pursuit of Ruud Nijstad. That is because FC Twente have no desire to sell their prized defensive asset in the last hours of the summer transfer window, since they can’t possibly sign a replacement in time. Nijstad had also signed a contract extension earlier in the summer, which keeps him at the club until 2029. That gives FC Twente a lot of leverage to hold out for a premium for the services of the young Dutchman. Just how desperate Barcelona are for a new defender will dictate the fate of this transfer saga, although the player’s desire to move could end up being a factor.