The powers that be at Spanish giants Barcelona have set their sights on an audacious summer swoop for a headline member of the attacking ranks at AC Milan.
That’s according to Diario Sport, who have today provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital.
Amid ongoing efforts to remedy the alarming situation at the club, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is already drawing up plans with a view to next season.
First on the agenda will be the sale of Barça Studios, which should give rise to a cash injection of around €200 million.
Then, focus will be shifted to player sales, with the likes of Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha all potentially on the chopping block.
Laporta wants to see an increased reliance on the breakthrough talents from La Masia, too, amid the emergence of the likes of Pau Cubarsí, and Héctor Fort.
And yet, despite as much, the Blaugrana will still attempt to bring in two headline stars, to reinforce the squad at the disposal of the manager ultimately chosen to replace Xavi Hernández.
The priorities, meanwhile, are the midfield ‘pivot’ role, and the left wing.
For the former, Barca have set their sights firmly on Everton star Amadou Onana, who could be available for a fee in the region of €40 million.
The Catalans’ outlay out wide, though, will likely prove considerably higher.
This comes with Deco and the transfer team at the Camp Nou having identified AC Milan star Rafael Leão as their chief target.
The Portuguese has been tipped to link up with Barcelona on numerous occasions in the past, albeit with Leão having ultimately opted to extend his terms in Milan.
Viewed as the ‘differential’ player needed to add extra goals and assists from the wing, though, the Blaugrana are now ready to return to the negotiating table.
Leão, for his part, is understood to be keen on a new adventure, in either Spain or England, with the opportunity to take his talents to the former looking increasingly likely to be afforded to the 24-year-old by way of Barcelona this summer.
Conor Laird | GSFN
