Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly told the club to move for eight new players this summer, with the Catalan outfit looking to become competitive at the top level once again.
The club fell short in both the Champions League and Europa League this season, while they watched Real Madrid secure the La Liga title at the end of April.
Barcelona have ongoing financial problems, but there is expected to be money to spend this summer, and the budget could be further boosted by the potential sale of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi wants the Catalan giants to boost the squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign with the arrival of eight new players.
The report claims that deals for AC Milan‘s Franck Kessie and Chelsea‘s Andreas Christensen have already been secured, with the pair heading to Camp Nou on free transfers.
However, Xavi allegedly wants another six players to arrive, with a centre-back, a left-back, a central midfielder, a winger and a striker all being targeted.
The report claims that Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both wanted by the La Liga outfit, while Celta Vigo‘s Javi Galan and Benfica‘s Alex Grimaldo are also viewed as options at the back.
Leeds United‘s Raphinha is also said to be a leading target, with the Whites facing relegation from the Premier League this season, while Manchester City‘s Raheem Sterling is also being monitored.
Sterling’s teammate Bernardo Silva is said to be viewed as the ideal midfielder to arrive, although a deal for the Portugal international could depend on whether De Jong is sold to Man United.
Xavi is also allegedly desperate for Barcelona to sign ‘a top striker’ this summer, despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moving to the club from Arsenal during the January transfer window.
Bayern Munich‘s Robert Lewandowski continues to be linked with a switch to Camp Nou, while Liverpool‘s Sadio Mane is also thought to be a possible option for the club.
Mohamed Salah has also been linked with a move to Barcelona, but the Egypt international is widely expected to end the speculation surrounding his future by penning a new deal with Liverpool.
Barcelona had allegedly been in the race to sign Erling Braut Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, but Man City announced earlier this week that they had secured the Norway international’s signature.
Xavi’s side have won each of their last three league matches and will be looking to secure second position in the La Liga table when they play the penultimate match of their season against Getafe on Sunday night.
