BARCELONA
Maripán's agent insists Barcelona are interested in the defender
Marcelo Contreras, Guillermo Maripan's agent, says Barcelona continue to monitor his client and they could make a move in the summer for the Chilean defender.
Marcelo Contreras, Guillermo Maripán's agent, insists in Chile's El Grafíco de Santiago that "Barcelona have been looking at him for some time. They are sounding out the possibility but it would be the European summer so they could free up the non-European place."
Marípan has grown exponentially with Deportivo Alavés and he has shown time after time his defensive solidity. The Chilean coach, Reinaldo Rueda, has called upon the central defender regularly with the long trips hurting Maripán when he has to travel back and play with Alavés.
Alavés defense is currently playing at a very high level with Martín, Laguardia, Maripán, Duarte and Navarro minding Pacheco's goals. Pina and Brasanac also help out at the back and there is also Adrían Diéguez, who might leave on loan in the winter transfer market given lack of minutes.
"If he [Marípan] keeps improving and growing, then it's only normal that he would attract the attention of the Europe's biggest teams," says Sergio Fernandez, Alavés sporting director.
