Transfer Centre

Robert Fernandez: 'Barcelona in Paco Alcacer talks'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 August 2016

Barcelona are "optimistic" of signing Valencia striker Paco Alcacer in the latter stages of the transfer window, claims sporting director Robert Fernandez.

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has revealed that his club are in talks with Valencia over a move for Paco Alcacer and is "optimistic" that the deal will be completed before the end of the transfer window.

Valencia had previously insisted that Alcacer would not be leaving the Mestalla this summer, but their stance has softened over the last week and it is understood that a deal in the region of £25m is close to going through.

Fernandez has hinted that the Spanish champions are prepared to wait until the final moment to bring the Spain international to Camp Nou, but they will not move for another player if the transfer falls through.

"Until the 31st, the market is open and we must wait. It's true that we're interested [in Alcacer], but I can't say any more than that. We have time and there are still [five] days left. I'm optimistic and we'll exhaust all possibilities until the last day. We also know that if it's not Alcacer then we won't sign another striker. It's him or no-one," Fernandez told reporters.

Alcacer, who failed to make Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for Euro 2016, scored 15 times in 40 appearances for Los Che during the 2015-16 campaign.