It is public knowledge that Barcelona are on the lookout for a marquee striker heading into the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana, despite adding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the roster in January, remain intent on signing another ace goalscorer, who can be the leader of the new project under manager Xavi Hernandez.
It has seen them get linked with various names. Erling Haaland had been the primary target, but the Norwegian seems set to join Manchester City. Robert Lewandowski has become the centre of focus now, but Bayern Munich are unwilling to let their top marksman leave.
It has made matters complicated for the Blaugrana with regard to their search for a new attacker.
But with the summer transfer window not very far away, at least one attacking signing is expected, while several forwards currently on the roster might find themselves on the exit ramp.
Indeed, a report from ARA claims that, as things stand, only three forwards are guaranteed a spot in the squad for next season, with them being Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and the aforementioned Aubameyang.
The claim, thus, casts shadows of doubts on the futures of several attacking players. Ousmane Dembele would have a key role to play, but he is yet to sign a new contract, meaning his continuation beyond this season is still not certain.
Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore, both of whom are on loan, are unlikely to be signed on a permanent basis by Barcelona either. As for Martin Braithwaite, the Dane has fallen way down the pecking order and an exit would be the best-case scenario.
As for Memphis Depay, the situation becomes interesting. The 28-year-old has done enough in his first season at the club to show that he can be a reliable player. At the same time, should Dembele stay and Barça sign a new striker, he will, at best, be a rotation option.
So, his future at Camp Nou might hinge on how Barcelona’s pursuit of a new centre-forward plays out. For now, though, only Fati, Torres and Aubameyang are guaranteed a place in Xavi’s roster for next season.
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