Barça Has a Clear Main Objective for the Next Summer Market, and It Is None Other Than Signing a World-Class Left Winger. Deco has reiterated in recent days that the priority is to strengthen the left flank. The club believes that the squad needs more depth and that when Raphinha or Lamine Yamal is absent, the team suffers.
The club understands that a top-level winger would help enhance the offensive play and provide more alternatives to Flick. The idea is to find a player who can offer guarantees both in the present and the future, adapting to Barça's style and competing with Raphinha.
The Favorites Seemed to Be Rafael Leão and Nico Williams
In the list of candidates managed by the sports management, Rafael Leão and Nico Williams were clearly above the rest. The Portuguese forward from Milan is an option that the club likes a lot for his power, quality, and ability to make a difference in one-on-one situations. However, his signing wouldn't be easy, as his market value exceeds 100 million.
On the other hand, Nico Williams is a player who fits perfectly the profile the club is looking for. The Spanish international has a release clause of 60 million with Athletic Club, a much more affordable figure than Leão's. Nevertheless, there are certain doubts within the sports management about whether Nico, with his slump this season, could perform at the expected level.
Deco's Preference
However, Deco has a preferred candidate in mind. According to 'El Nacional.cat', the sports director is betting on signing Luis Díaz, the Colombian winger from Liverpool. He is a footballer who has always been liked at Can Barça, and his style fits perfectly with the culé playing model.
Moreover, the Colombian striker wants to wear the blaugrana jersey, as has been hinted several times. His cost would be around 80 million, an intermediate figure between the prices of Leão and Nico Williams. The possibility of signing Luis Díaz is gaining strength within the club and could become the chosen option.
Lamine Yamal Is Left Without His 'Signing'
If Barça finally opts for Luis Díaz, this would have an indirect consequence: Lamine Yamal wouldn't be able to play alongside his best friend, Nico Williams. The young blaugrana has forged a great friendship with Nico in the Spanish National Team and would have liked to share a locker room with him at Barcelona. However, if the club decides on the Colombian, this possibility would be ruled out.
Moreover, everything points to Arsenal being the team where the Basque winger will ultimately land. Arteta's team is very serious and would have already made an irresistible offer.