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Napoli open to accepting two Barcelona players in exchange for €80m-rated star

Although their hands will be tied down by their financial difficulties, FC Barcelona will still be going into the upcoming summer transfer window with plans to significantly strengthen their squad for the next season.

The acquisition of a competent midfield pivot will be the top priority for Barcelona, but other than a pivot, Deco will also be looking for a forward. In this regard, one of the players who has been linked with the Catalan club in the last few weeks has been the Napoli winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Catalans are closely following the Georgian winger, but will not really be able to sign him unless they can return to the 1-1 rule on spending. But according to SPORT, the Blaugranes might be able to get the player by making some of their players a part of this operation, and Napoli will be open to accepting such a deal.

There are two Barcelona players that Napoli can accept in exchange for their star winger, Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez. Neither of these two players is non-transferable for the Catalans, but they will also have to make a payment in addition to these players as neither of them has a valuation matching the Georgian winger.

Kvaratskhelia currently has a contract till 2027 with the Italian club, and is valued at around €80 million in the market, thus Barcelona will have to negotiate with Napoli if they really want the player.

However, the player himself might be looking forward to a move to Barcelona, especially as he will not be able to play in the Champions League next season if he stays at Napoli. In fact, there have been reports of informal contacts between the Catalan club and the player’s entourage in recent months.

On the other hand, neither Fermin Lopez nor Ferran Torres will be too keen to become a part of this operation. The former is on an upward trajectory at Barcelona, and with 8 goals, is the fifth-highest scorer in the team.

Similarly, Ferran Torres has also been an important player for Xavi this season, and despite his lack of prominence since his last injury, he will continue to stay and fight for a place at FC Barcelona.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI CONCERNED BARCELONA ARE REPEATING FRENKIE DE JONG SALE TRICK

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has been left concerned by recent ongoings behind the scenes at the club.

That’s according to journalist Helena Condis, who points towards Lewandowski as suspecting the Blaugrana brass of foul play.

The subject of Lewandowski’s future has of course continued to position itself front and centre in the headlines in Spain over the course of recent weeks.

As much comes amid contrasting reports when it comes to Barcelona’s plans for the veteran attacker.

Whilst some outlets have assured that Xavi and his coaching staff are more than happy to keep hold of ‘Lewa’ beyond the summer, others have pointed towards a sale as being actively sought out.

This comes owing to the considerable dent which the Pole’s hefty wages are set to leave in Barca’s finances with a view to next season.

And, as per the aforementioned Helena Condis, speaking during an appearance on Catalunya Ràdio this week, such murmurs have given rise to concern on the part of Lewandowski and his entourage.

The 35-year-old is understood to be worried that Barcelona are following a similar path to that taken with Frenkie de Jong back in 2022.

Amid efforts to essentially force De Jong to depart in the face of a big-money offer from Premier League giants Manchester United, the board at the Camp Nou were accused of undertaking a number of shady measures, including leaking the details of their midfielder’s contract to the press.

And Lewandowski fears a similar situation could be on the cards for him over the months ahead, albeit with the former Bayern Munich man adamant that he will not be forced out under any circumstances.

BARCELONA INTERESTED IN FORMER PSG ICON MARCO VERATTI

According to Mundo Deportivo, Marco Veratti (31) the former Paris Saint-Germain icon could once again be in the crosshairs of Barcelona.

The Catalans have long been admirers of the Italian midfielder and had previously targetted him during the 2017 transfer window. At the time, Barcelona believed that they were close to a deal, having already agreed on personal terms with Veratti, who was likewise keen on a move away from the French capital.

However, Barcelona and Veratti were met with a point-blank refusal from Les Parisiens to agree to any deal for their player. A situation that only became thornier when PSG swooped in and stole Neymar (31) from Barcelona during the very same transfer window.

Last summer when Veratti was allowed to leave PSG, Barcelona once again were interested in signing their former target and were once again met with PSG’s refusal to do business. The midfielder eventually moved to the Qatari league where he currently plays for Al-Arabi.

Barcelona hesitant but once again interested in Marco Veratti

Without PSG standing in their way, Barcelona could be interested in coming in for the elusive midfielder. However, are thought to be concerned by his high wages and the possible standard of football he has been playing at for the past season.

Club now open to letting ‘world class’ £25m Arsenal target join Barcelona this summer

One side are now open to allowing their “world class” player to join Barcelona this summer – despite interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners are back dining at Europe’s top table after a period in the wilderness away from the UEFA Champions League, with a second successive season in the competition under Mikel Arteta already secured.

As such, Arsenal also find themselves competing against these clubs in the transfer market as well as on the pitch – with Edu Gaspar now at risk of missing out on a target to Barcelona…

Arsenal could miss out on Joshua Kimmich to Barcelona

Well – according to Football Transfers – Arsenal want to sign Bayern Munich No.6 Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Europe’s elite clubs are sensing an opportunity as the Germany international enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Allianz Arena – with discussions over a renewal yet to really get anywhere.

The Daily Star believe Kimmich – who Julian Nagelsmann called a “world class” footballer – could even be available for just £25m due to his contract situation.

Now – however – a story from Spanish news outlet SPORT states that Bayern Munich are open to letting the German join Barcelona, as the Catalans have a player they want to sign in Ronald Araujo.

It is said that Bayern Munich would be happy to sell Kimmich to the Spanish giants if the Uruguay international moves the other way.

Therefore, Arsenal are not in a great position to sign the 29-year-old this summer, although the Gunners could be given a lifeline by Manchester United.

Potential lifeline for the Gunners

Bayern Munich are not the only admirers of Araujo.

As aforesaid, Manchester United are also keen on the South American – with that same story from SPORT stating that the Red Devils have told the defender they are ready to bid for him.

So, if Manchester United end up signing Araujo ahead of Bayern Munich, it would see Barcelona lose their bargaining chip in the race to sign Kimmich, providing a lifeline for Arsenal.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the man from Rottweil – who Declan Rice called a “top, top player” – could be leaving Bayern Munich this summer.

Report: FC Barcelona could sell their €80 million-rated ‘Iniesta heir’

Joan Laporta and Xavi will have some difficult decisions to make come June as they look to re-organise and filter the current squad.

If the board hope to bring in the targets they deem to be necessary, big exits are required and it is clear at this point that very few players in the dressing room are safe.

Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha are just some of the players who were initially considered untransferable but have now lost that tag.

Radio MARCA now reveals that Pedri is also close to sailing the same boat. The reports come surprising as the 21-year-old has been considered to fill in the void that have been there since Iniesta’s departure.

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona can sell Pedri, the team’s young and highly valued midfielder, come June.

The news undoubtedly comes out of the blue and is a major shock for fans across the globe.

The report adds that the coaching staff feel that the youngster is not developing at the rate they expected him to and that his stagnation is the primary reason behind the sudden decision.

Moreover, the Canary Islander has been highly injury-prone in recent seasons. This season alone, he has missed 128 games over three injury spells and is still far from his best shape physically.

Given his age, skill, and market value, it will not be difficult for Barcelona to find suitors for the young star.

However, one cannot help but wonder if the move is hasty given the potential the player has shown.

Pedri’s current contract with the club runs out in 2026, and both parties have been in talks over an extension for a long time now.

Despite negotiations beginning back towards the end of last season, however, the progress has been very slow and it was reported earlier this week that the delay was only because both parties were clear of the outcome and in no rush.

With news of the player’s potential sale coming out, one is forced to wonder if the negotiations have deliberately slowed down from Barcelona’s end.

VITOR ROQUE’S CAMP MAKE STANCE ON BARCELONA SUMMER EXIT CLEAR

An insight into the plans of Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque for next season has this week come to the fore online.

As much, of course, comes amid rampant speculation surrounding an impending summer transfer for the Brazilian international.

Claims in the media have mounted over the course of recent days that a decision regarding Roque’s immediate future has been made.

Barcelona’s plan is to farm the 19-year-old out on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, to secure for Roque more regular first-team minutes amid a crucial stage in his development.

A move to a fellow La Liga club is considered the ideal route forward.

Where, though, does the frontman himself stand on the subject?

An insight into as much has today been forthcoming, and points towards Roque being far from happy with the recent chatter surrounding his name.

This comes with the youngster, according to Santi Ovalle of Cadena SER, having only one goal in mind – to stay put and fight for his place in Xavi’s squad next season.

Those ‘closest’ to Roque, it is added, have made it known that he ‘wants to continue and they are not contemplating a transfer’.

Barcelona have chosen their pivot, player also willing to come

Heading into the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona already have some clear priorities. Unlike the previous window, Barça are expected to have a little more spending power this time around. Keeping that in mind, Barcelona have a few positions they want to reinforce as their primary objective.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Xavi, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, gives the team instructions during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

First and foremost comes the position and signing of a new pivot. Since the departure of Sergio Busquets, La Blaugrana have failed to fill the void left behind by him. Now, moving forward, Barcelona already know which player can best help them finally eradicate that problem within the team.

According to Mundo Deportivo, 29-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is the chosen one for Barcelona. His technical abilities, spatial awareness, dedication to the game, and even perhaps the fact that he has previously been trained by Pep Guardiola, all act as positive factors that draw Barcelona towards him.

Furthermore, even the player himself would not be against a move to Catalonia, as per the report. Both the player and Xavi Hernandez spoke quite a lot during the previous summer window, and although a move could not ultimately materialize, it showed a level of willingness from Kimmich about a possible move from the Bavarian giants.

Right now, even Bayern themselves are stuck at a crossroads with their German star. With his contract set to end in a year’s time in 2025, the German side needs Kimmich to renew as soon as possible. In the event that he does not, a sale may have to be taken into consideration.

Moreover, that also favors Barcelona as Bayern can either sell him for a fee that is lower than their ideal amount, or lose him for completely free next season. Ultimately, the decision will come as a collective chain of what Barcelona, Bayern, and even Kimmich end up deciding upon.

At the moment, it is expected that the 29-year-old midfielder will decide his future before the European Championship in June. Once that answer becomes clear, both Barcelona and Bayern can make their respective moves. Even right now, it is also being reported that the Bavarians are looking at alternatives to sign just in case.

BARCELONA HANDED CHANCE TO SIGN MARCO VERRATTI

La Liga giants Barcelona have been afforded the chance to sign one of the club’s long-time midfield targets.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who have dropped something of a bombshell in the early hours of Thursday.

The player to have offered his services up to Barcelona comes in the form of Marco Verratti.

Italian international Verratti, for his part, is currently plying his trade in the Middle East, with Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Arabi.

It would appear, though, that less than 12 months on from leaving the European game behind, the 31-year-old has already grown tired of his Qatari experience.

In turn, as per the aforementioned MD, Verratti has made himself available to the transfer team at La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.

The Blaugrana are of course known to be on the lookout for reinforcements in the middle of the park with a view to the 2024/25 campaign.

Verratti, meanwhile, is understood to boast long-term admirers behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital, having been tipped to link up with Barca on a whole host of occasions in the past.

It remains to be seen, though, whether such interest remains on the part of Xavi and co.

Ronald Araujo weighs up ‘final Barcelona contract offer’ amid Bayern Munich & Man Utd interest

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is rumoured to be weighing up what is described as a “final offer” over a new contract that looks set to determine the next stage of his career.

Araujo’s current deal runs until 2026 and speculation about his future has been rife in recent months amid links to the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United in particular.

SPORT writes that Barcelona want the Uruguayan centre-back, promoted into the squad’s captains group this season, to continue by signing fresh terms. He too is said to prefer committing to a new contract but is yet to give an answer and other options seemingly remain open.

The proposed four-year contract at Camp Nou until 2028 is reported to include a salary increase, although it would not place Araujo among the squad’s highest earners, despite his senior status. Presenting an offer that would is considered “impossible” because of the salary limits that exist and there is “very little room to improve” the numbers currently on the table.

The final decision will be the player’s, but Barcelona stand to benefit if he opts not to extend because of the money that a summer sale could bring in to boost the budget. Bayern Munich are still reported to be interest and Manchester have apparently informed the player’s camp that they will put forward a formal offer should there be a willingness to leave Barcelona. Chelsea would also be interested but don’t seem to be in the Araujo’s thoughts from a sporting perspective.

Bayern could even end up in a favourable position because of Barcelona’s ongoing interest in Joshua Kimmich and the possibility of Araujo being included in any negotiations that may start.

If Araujo doesn’t sign a contract and enters the final two years of his current deal, Barcelona risk losing out financially were they to not try and cash in before his market value begins to fall. One way or the other, things should be decided by the end of May.

Barcelona ‘identify Ukraine international as Raphinha replacement’

Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on a move for a Ukraine international winger should Raphinha depart the club in the summer transfer window.

Regarded as a major coup following his arrival from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, Raphinha’s performances in a Barcelona jersey have been solid but not spectacular for a couple of years now.

The Spanish champions beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of the Brazil international, who has posted a respectable set of numbers with 19 goals and 24 assists in 84 games across all tournaments.

Raphinha has nine goals and 12 assists to boast from 34 games in the current campaign, including three strikes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and assists in back-to-back La Liga matches with Real Madrid and Valencia.

Despite his respectable set of numbers this season, and his long-running contract until 2027, the 27-year-old is just one of a plethora of players whom Barcelona will entertain offers for in the summer transfer window.

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have lined up Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov as a potential candidate to take the reins from Raphinha amid his side’s remarkable La Liga campaign.

The 26-year-old left Dynamo Kyiv for a mere €5m (£4.3m) in the January 2023 window and has since turned out for Girona on 48 occasions, scoring nine goals and setting up 10 more.

Tsygankov has been hampered by hamstring, leg, knee and calf injuries this season, but he has proven his worth to head coach Michel when fit, contributing six goals and four assists from 25 La Liga matches.

With the Ukrainian’s help, Girona emerged as shock title contenders and remain on course for Champions League qualification in third place in the table, just two points shy of reigning champions Barcelona.

Tsygankov’s Girona deal also runs until the summer of 2027, though, and Barcelona would supposedly have to battle Bayern Munich should they wish to prise him away from Girona in the current market.

The immediate future of Raphinha must be addressed before Barcelona can ramp up their efforts to sign Tsygankov, and the former may have a couple of exit routes available to him this summer.