Spanish champions Barcelona have fallen short of their Champions League expectations over the last five years since their last triumph in 2015. Since then, Barcelona have imploded twice against the likes of AS Roma (2018/19 season) and Liverpool (2019/20 season).
Ernesto Valverde masterminded the two implosions and he paid dearly with his job at the start of this year. Barcelona are desperate to win the Champions League title once again especially after arch rivals Real Madrid won three successive titles between 2016 and 2018.
The club is ready to back Quique Setien in the transfer market this summer to make that Champions League dream come true once again after the ex-Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano boss replaced Ernesto Valverde some months ago. Quique Setien and Barcelona can still win the Champions League this season before the transfer market this summer.
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Barcelona have a last 16 tie to navigate against Italian Serie A club Napoli. The two teams played a one-all draw in the first leg in Italy before the dreaded Coronavirus menace stopped the second leg scheduled for the home of Barcelona, Nou Camp. The competition will resume in August as per the info from UEFA.
With the Barcelona hierarchy willing to back Quique Setien in the upcoming transfer window, here are the top three targets for the Blaugrana:
1. Lautaro Martinez – The Inter Milan player is the number one target for Barcelona who are trying to sign the Argentine international as the long-term heir to the lone striker role currently held by the ageing Luis Suarez. He has scored 16 goals in all competitions for his team this season.
2. Miralem Pjanic – The Juventus midfielder is a target for Barcelona with a possible swap deal being discussed between the two clubs. Barcelona midfielder Arthur will move in the other direction if the clubs can agree on the transfer.
3. Neymar – The Paris Saint Germain (PSG) attacker might not return to Barcelona this summer mainly due to financial constraints from the effects of Coronavirus but he remains a top target. He spent four years at the Nou Camp between 2013 and 2017.
