Barcelona to rival Arsenal for Brazilian starlet Yuri Alberto?

Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly identified Internacional striker Yuri Alberto as a possible transfer target.

The Spanish giants are in the market for attacking reinforcements having seen summer signing Sergio Aguero forced to retire with a heart condition last week.

Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite have also struggled with injuries this season, while Luuk de Jong has only scored once since joining on loan from Sevilla.

Ferran Torres and Edinson Cavani are thought to be at the top of Xavi's wishlist for the January window, while the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Erling Braut Haaland have also been linked with moves to Camp Nou.

AS reports that Barca have now added Alberto to their shortlist, having been impressed with the 20-year-old's performances in the Brazilian top flight this season.

The striker has scored 19 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a key member of the Internacional side, and Xavi believes that his ability to play anywhere across a front three would lend itself well to the style he is looking to implement at Barcelona.

Barca see Yuri Alberto as a longer-term option than some of the other names on their list of targets, but could face competition for his signature from Arsenal and AC Milan.