​BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City at Villa Park on October 24, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images Rumors surrounding a defensive signing at FC Barcelona are heating up. Manager Hansi Flick has publicly acknowledged the whispers, simply saying that if a player that improves the squad is available to be signed, he’s for it.Now, a new report lists who Barça is targeting in the center-back position. Topping the list is Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol, though it’s a longshot. He has a contract until 2031 and City won’t want to sell him, so perhaps the only realistic way for Barcelona to get him would be if City are hit with a significant points deduction due to transfer irregularities. The English club has already been found guilty, but no punishment has been finalized. If they are hit with a relegation, they may need to sell players. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult to get him, and especially so in the winter.Alessandro Bastoni has been on Barcelona’s agenda for a while, though no signing has ever been completed. He’s a key figure at Inter Milan and has a contract until 2028. It would be almost unthinkable for Inter to agree to sell him in the winter transfer window.It’s not just unlikely signings on the list. There’s Lisandro Martínez, who ends his contract with Manchester United next year. If the red devils don’t want to lose him on a free transfer soon, they will probably have to sell him in the winter window. A feisty defender who makes up for his lack of size with good anticipation and quickness, Martínez is a FIFA World Cup champion with Argentina. Despite his big game reputation, his biggest issue is injuries. He has a history of big and small ones that would worry any potential buyer.Last on the list, and again a more realistic option, is Natan Bernardo de Souza, also known simply as Natan. He played a great season for Real Betis last term and is still only 25. A standout in the Brazilian league, he was signed by Napoli first before being snapped up by Betis. He was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-list for the past World Cup, though he was ultimately not picked. He is said to be available for a price around €30 million.