Joan Laporta dreams of revolutionizing the transfer market this summer and making a bold statement. Thanks to the contract with Nike and having reached the 1:1 rule in Fair Play, the President is confident that the club will have room to maneuver to strengthen itself. After several markets marked by economic restrictions, the situation is starting to change, and Laporta wants to take advantage of it.
Aware that the team needs to make a leap in quality to compete in Europe, at Barça they see this summer as an opportunity to bolster the project. Laporta has outlined a roadmap in which the priority is to sign a footballer who can make a difference and become the star alongside Lamine Yamal.
Wants the Successor to Lewandowski and the New Barça Star
Laporta and Deco's big bet is to find a top-level forward who can lead the team in the coming years. Robert Lewandowski remains a key piece at Barça, but at 36 years old, the club knows it needs a reliable successor. The intention is to sign a young striker with goals, talent, and the ability to make a difference in key moments.
The bet on a top-level '9' is clear, but the big question is whether the club will be able to make a significant investment in a forward.
Arsenal Wants to Get Ahead with 150 Million
Despite Laporta's optimism, the club still isn't sure how much they can invest in signings this summer. Although the economic situation has improved, planning will depend on possible sales and how much salary margin can be caused. Barça wants a top-level forward, but they won't be able to compete in auctions with Premier League clubs.
That's where an additional problem arises: Arsenal is also in the race for a player who is admired at Barça. Mikel Arteta's team wants to strengthen their attack and is looking for a forward with potential to join Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and company. The competition from the 'Gunners' further complicates the scenario for Barça, who fear losing their main target.
The Two Players Arsenal Wants and That Interest Barça
The forward who is liked by both Barça and Arsenal is none other than Alexander Isak. The Swede has established himself as one of the most solid strikers in Europe. At 25 years old, with speed, technique, and a great goal-scoring instinct, Isak perfectly fits the profile sought by Laporta and Deco.
However, his market price, which exceeds 100M euros, is a major obstacle for the blaugranas. To make matters worse, Arsenal not only wants Isak but also has another old Barça target: Martín Zubimendi on their radar. Barça wants to make a splash in the market, but the competition from the Premier League threatens to make the operation even more difficult.