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It would be fair to say that Barcelona have had a season to forget. They have sacked a manager and are on course to lose the league title to arch-rivals Real Madrid. Star player Lionel Messi has only one year left in his contract, and he is said to be unhappy with how the club is being run.
Amidst all this, Barcelona have been active in the transfer market. Having already completed a controversial swap-deal with Juventus for Arthur and Miralem Pjanic, the club are looking for more reinforcements. We look at:
5 players Barcelona need to sign this transfer window
#5 PAU TORRES, VILLARREAL
Pau Torres is regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in the Spanish top-flight, and rightly so.
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A Villarreal academy graduate, Torres has spent his entire career with his boyhood club, bar a season-long loan with Malaga. A ball-playing centre-back, Torres has been everpresent for the Yellow Submarine this season. His performances have been such that he has been linked with multiple top clubs in the past year.
The 23-year old is left-footed, a rarity in top-quality centre-backs. Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte and Barcelona's Clement Lenglet come to mind immediately.
This season, the Spain international has played 32 games in the league for his club, assisting one goal. He leads the squad for long balls per game, coming second for clearances per game. Barcelona only have three centre-backs in their squad, namely Gerard Pique, Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti. Umtiti's persistent injury issues mean that he cannot be trusted to play every game. Torres would provide good backup and can learn from the likes of Pique. He has also been linked with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
#4 DAVID ALABA, BAYERN MUNICH
Barcelona have relied on long-serving left-back Jordi Alba for quite some time now. The 31-year old plays almost every game for the club, and some competition is needed.
Bayern Munich's David Alaba comes to mind. The versatile player has just one year left in his contract with the Bavarians. Having made more than 380 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, it has been reported that Alaba could leave for Spain.
Capable of playing as a left-back, a centre-back, a left-winger and in central midfield, Alaba shines in every position he plays. The Austria international has been attracting interest from some top clubs, but is said to prefer a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The 28-year old has played 38 games in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing an assist. He has been linked with a move to Manchester City, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Also Read: Reports: Barcelona set to sell promising full-back Emerson as Borussia Dortmund declare interest
#3 TANGUY NDOMBELE, TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tanguy Ndombele's move to Tottenham Hotspur has not gone to plan. He moved from Lyon for a club-record fee of €62 million last summer. However, the midfielder has failed to impress manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho has been vocal about his criticism of the France international, often using him as a substitute. The relationship between the player and the manager is said to be fragile, with many reports suggesting that Ndombele would like to leave in the summer.
Ndombele would provide dynamism and energy to a Barcelona midfield which lacks both currently. An excellent dribbler, the 23-year old would be an ideal addition to the Catalan club's midfield.
This season, the former Amiens man has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing four assists. He has been linked with Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
#2 SERGINO DEST, AJAX
Right-back has been a problem position for Barcelona since the departure of Dani Alves. The club currently utilise Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo in that position, with neither cementing their position in that role.
Sergino Dest is an Ajax academy product who has had a breakthrough campaign this season. The right-back has competed with Noussair Mazraoui for the position and has contributed meaningful minutes in his first senior season.
The United States of America international has made 20 appearances in the Eredivisie this season, providing four assists.
The 19-year old looks set to enjoy a bright future in the game. He has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus.
#1 LAUTARO MARTINEZ, INTER MILAN
Barcelona's primary transfer target this summer. Lautaro Martinez is seen by the club as the long-term heir to Luis Suarez's throne, and the club are trying to make a deal happen.
Martinez had a release clause of €111 million in his contract which expired a few weeks ago. Barcelona are said to be collecting funds to make a move for the Argentine. Recent reports state that Barcelona are ready to bid €70 million and send left-back Junior Firpo the other way for Martinez.
The 22-year old has been in fine form this season. In 29 Serie A appearances, he has scored 13 goals and provided three assists. He attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku has flourished.
It has been reported that Martinez wants to move to Camp Nou, to play with fellow Argentine Lionel Messi. However, it remains to be seen whether Inter Milan accept Barcelona's offer.
Also Read: La Liga 2019/20: Top 10 players this season according to ratings
