Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is focused on the current season, but the club's summer transfer plans are already taking shape. With a nine-point lead over Real Madrid in LaLiga, the Catalans are on track for domestic success, but their ultimate goal is to conquer Europe.
Champions League Ambition
Barcelona's quarter-final exit this season was a disappointment, and Flick believes the team is not far from ending their 11-year Champions League drought. The German coach says the team is young and has potential, but they must make the right decisions in the transfer period.
Flick and sporting director Deco have clear ideas about what they need to do to take the team to the next level, and according to reports, it centres on signing Julian Alvarez and Alessandro Bastoni.
Defensive Reinforcements
Barcelona are short on quality at the heart of their defence, with Ronald Araujo more of a liability than a leader. The versatile duo of Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin are not good enough for a team with Champions League aspirations.
Bringing in a world-class, left-footed centre-back like Bastoni is imperative for Barca. The Inter defender has had a personal nightmare of a season, but a change of scenery could be beneficial for him.
Bastoni's Situation
Bastoni became a villain in Italy for his role in getting Pierre Kalulu sent off in a Serie A match. He escaped sanction, but was later shown a straight red card in a World Cup play-off, effectively costing his country a place in the tournament.
Inter are open to selling the 27-year-old, which could be a huge boost for Barca. With the club expected to have money to spend this summer, they must spend it wisely to take the team to the next level.