BARCELONA: Spanish giants FC Barcelona has reached agreement with Portuguese club Benfica for defender Nelson Semedo on Thursday. Sporting director Robert Fernandez and board member Javier Bordas reached Portugal to sign the deal for the Portuguese national, after which the transfer remains subject to only a medical examination of the youngster, as the 23-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the blaugranas. Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu said subsequent to breaking the news that the club will reach out for two or three more players before the transfer period ends on August 31. The club had previously shown interest in Arsenal full-back and former La Masia graduate Hector Bellerin, but the player decided to stay in London, even though his childhood club’s interest “made him happy”. After a disappointing last season, the club administration was heavily criticised for lack of depth in the squad. Apart from the latest Semedo deal, Barcelona has promoted B-team player Marlon Santos to the first team squad and has decided to bring Gerard Deulofeu back from English club Everton. Barcelona also has their sights set on French club Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) young Italian starlet Marco Verratti and Evergrande’s Brazilian Paulinho, as they look to strengthen their central midfield, which had proved to be a weak link last season.