When Xavi set out his plans for the summer transfer window, he handed the Barcelona manager a list of eight transfer targets that he wanted signed. And among those, five are already at the club, following the acquisition of Jules Kounde on Thursday.
Indeed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Xavi had asked for the signings of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Kounde, all of whom are now at the club, with three more names left on the list handed by the Barça manager.
The first of the three names is that of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. The 32-year-old has been on Xavi and Barça’s agenda for a while now as the club seek a replacement for Dani Alves in the right-back slot.
Given his versatile nature and experience, Azpilicueta is seen as a vital addition, even if he would be a short-term solution.
The second player on the list is Azpilicueta’s Chelsea and Spain teammate Marcos Alonso. The 31-year-old is seen as a viable cover for Jordi Alba, who had to see out the entire last season as the only natural option in the left-back slot.
However, the pursuit of Azpilicueta and Alonso has been complicated by reported friction between Barça and Chelsea due to them crossing paths on multiple occasions in the transfer window so far this summer.
Finally, the final name on the agenda for Barça is that of Manchester City superstar Bernardo Silva. The 27-year-old has been on the Catalans’ radars since last year and is reportedly keen on joining the club, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, even offering him to the Blaugrana.
However, his signing would cost the Catalans in excess of €80 million, which means that they would first have to get rid of Frenkie de Jong if they wish to add the Portuguese international to their ranks this summer.
Five out of eight top targets is great business for Barcelona. And they could still push for seven out of eight, with there being hope that the Blaugrana can still land Azpilicueta and Alonso. However, Silva’s signing could be an issue.
