Hansi Flick has acknowledged that the club are open to strengthening their squad, with injuries and a shortage of defensive options creating a potential need for another centre-back.
"We are open to signing the best players for the team, anyone who can make us better. But we will see, there are still weeks until the winter transfer window," Flick said.
"I speak with Deco, Bojan and my assistants. If we can do something, we will do it."
The Barcelona coach's comments have added weight to reports that the club are exploring the market for defensive options. Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez has also been linked with a possible move to Spain, while Natan is another name being monitored.
The Brazilian has established himself as an important figure in the Real Betis defence since arriving in Seville. At 25, he has developed into a regular option at the heart of the back line and is attracting attention beyond his current club.
However, any attempt to prise him away from Betis is likely to prove expensive.
According to reports in Spain, the Andalusian club would seek a fee in excess of €35 million to consider selling Natan during the January window. Betis are reluctant to lose a key defensive player midway through the season, particularly with the Brazilian firmly established in their plans.
His reported release clause stands at €80 million, meaning Barcelona would need to negotiate directly with Betis rather than rely on a straightforward clause activation at the lower figure.
That difference is significant for a Barcelona side that must balance its desire to strengthen the squad against its financial considerations. A January move would also require the Catalans to convince Betis that an agreement is worthwhile, with the selling club under no obvious pressure to sanction a departure.
Flick's comments suggest that the recruitment department is continuing to assess potential solutions rather than committing to one particular target. The coach made clear that discussions are taking place with sporting director Deco and other members of the club's football structure.
Barcelona's defensive situation has become a concern during a period when several players have been unavailable. Flick has already been forced to improvise, using midfielders in defensive roles and giving opportunities to younger players.
The 6-1 victory over Alavés offered some encouragement, with Frenkie de Jong filling in at centre-back and Brian Fariñas making his first-team debut at right-back. Nevertheless, the coach's remarks indicate that the club are not ruling out adding another defender.
Natan's profile makes him an interesting possibility, but the reported valuation and Betis' reluctance to sell could complicate negotiations. Barcelona have several weeks to determine whether they can find an affordable solution before the window opens.
For now, the Brazilian remains one of the names being monitored as the Catalans consider how best to reinforce their back line.