- Barcelona have put together a five-man wishlist of players they want to sign
- Three of the names on their wishlist currently play in the Premier League
- Declan Rice showed his class after scoring against West Ham, those fans who booed him are MORONS – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly drawn up a five-man wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Catalan giants are set to start over ahead of next season, with manager Xavi departing at the end of the current campaign.
They are already putting plans in place to try and attack the transfer market to rebuild their squad.
According to AS, they are interested in signing Premier League trio Gabriel Martinelli, Amadou Onana and Kaoru Mitoma, and they are also keen on Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Girona’s Aleix Garcia.
Martinelli may be the most surprising target on this list, given that he has become a regular in the Gunners’ starting XI in recent years and has a contract with the club until 2027, with the option for a further year.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a surprise summer target for Barcelona
Amadou Onana (left) and Kaoru Mitoma (right) are on Barcelona’s summer wishlist
Barcelona sporting director Deco has drawn up the list of summer targets for the club
Onana has also been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, and has demonstrated his ability to play in a holding role or further forward in midfield for Everton, making him an intriguing option for top clubs.
He has a deal with the Toffees that runs until 2027, and may be difficult to prise away from Goodison Park.
Brighton’s Mitoma also has a long-term contract at the Amex Stadium, but could be a more realistic option as the Seagulls have been willing to sell their star players in the past.
Khvaratskhelia helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, but has had a quieter campaign this time around.
He has still registered six goals and four assists in the league, though, and remains an exciting prospect at just 23.
Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia is another player that they are interested in signing
Meanwhile, Garcia has been a key player in Girona’s title push this season, with the Spanish side just five points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s financial issues have been well-documented, but the club appear prepared to overhaul their squad to turn their fortunes around, as they will reportedly listen to offers for Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde this summer.
After winning LaLiga last May, they have endured a disappointing season which has seen them slip 10 points behind Madrid, lose to them 4-1 in the Super Cup final, and exit the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage.
Big changes may be needed to get them back competing for major honours, and Deco seems to be ready to shake things up in the coming months.
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