THE FUSE

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona had been monitoring Guehi closely and were in contact with his representatives, aware that he could sign a pre-contract agreement as early as next week. However, once the latest salary expectations became clear, discussions stalled and have not resumed in recent weeks. The Catalan club reportedly concluded that the difference was simply too great to overcome. The situation mirrors that of Real Madrid, who were also linked with the defender earlier in the season but are said to have been similarly deterred by the cost of any deal.