Barça's sports management is still preparing for the upcoming summer transfer market and has a clear goal in mind: to strengthen all possible positions. However, one of the priorities that Laporta, Deco, and company have set for this new summer window is to find a forward who can compete with Lewandowski. The fact is the Polish player will soon turn 37 and needs someone reliable who can challenge him for the position next season.
In fact, Hansi Flick is fully aware of the situation and as much as he values Lewandowski's role in the squad, he also agrees on finding a replacement. The future of the key Barça player involves continuing for another season at the forefront of the first team's offensive line, but this time with a partner with whom he can rotate. In that sense, Laporta has been quietly scouting the market for some time and has found a player who can meet the characteristics Hansi Flick desires.
Name Gaining Momentum
According to the latest information circulating around Barça, the forward who has caught Laporta's attention in recent days is Mateo Retegui. The Atalanta striker is making waves in Serie A at 25 years old and has established himself as the current top scorer in the Italian league ahead of Lautaro or Thuram. Thus, in the midst of the race for the Golden Boot, Laporta believes he is an option that has nothing to envy from other elite stars.
Mateo Retegui has been one of the great revelations of the season in Europe and Laporta has followed him quietly. Both the Barça president and the sports management and technical team agree that he is an extremely interesting option. Even more so knowing that his youth and potential can make him a more than profitable signing in the long term.
A 'Low Cost' Option
However, one of the aspects that most attracts about Mateo Retegui is his market value, estimated at around 40 million euros. The fact is the Italian striker is shaping up as an attractive option for Barça precisely because he is a more economical opportunity that can perfectly combine with Robert Lewandowski. It's no wonder: other alternatives that have been mentioned in recent months, such as Viktor Gyökeres or Alexander Isak, exceed 100 million euros at this point in the season.
In a context of financial restrictions for Barça, Retegui is the most viable and strategic option for the Catalan club. Additionally, Retegui's arrival would allow for future planning since Lewandowski will not continue as the team's sole offensive reference. It is expected that all negotiations will progress in the coming weeks as Deco and Laporta have set Retegui as the priority option.