With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the next season.
The Catalan giants are staring at a pivotal window in which a major restructuring could be on the cards as Joan Laporta plans to equip manager Xavi Hernandez with the best possible roster for the rebuild.
As part of the plans, the manager is believed to be keen on signing seven new players for seven different positions. Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie are already on their way, with deals to sign them in Bosman transfers in place.
A concerted push is likely to be made to sign Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich while a new left-back, a right-back and another winger are also likely to arrive.
Gerard Romero has now provided an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of three players for the latter three positions, claiming that the Catalans are targeting Cesar Azpilicueta for the right-back slot, Alejandro Grimaldo for the left-back slot and Raphina for the wide attacking berth.
Azpilicueta has been on the radars of Barça for a while now and was expected to sign on a free transfer. However, Chelsea have triggered a one-year extension on his contract, leading to the move stalling. But Romero insists that there is an 80% chance of the deal happening.
As for Grimaldo, the former La Masia trainee has become one of the most consistent left-backs in Europe since moving to Benfica. With his contract expiring next year, a sale could be on the cards, with Romero rating the chance of a return to Camp Nou at 60%.
Raphinha, meanwhile, would arrive to strengthen the right flank as either Ousmane Dembele or Adama Traore or both could be on their way out. The Leeds United winger is keen on a move and there is a 75% chance of the transfer materialising, according to Gerard Romero.
However, the transfer expert does insist that any move would largely hinge on Barcelona getting the CVC agreement over the line. The Blaugrana’s spending limit has been set at -€144 million following the January window and need to get their finances in order before signing players.
The CVC agreement is likely to fetch the club around €270 million, which will be crucial to the summer transfer plans. So, while Barcelona eye a triple swoop for Azpilicueta, Grimaldo and Raphinha, sorting out the CVC deal should also be a top priority.
CLICK HERE TO COMMENT
