5 players Barcelona should target in the January transfer window

FC Barcelona are already sitting at the top of La Liga after pouncing on the mistakes their arch-rivals Real Madrid have made at the start of this season. Ernesto Valverde is certainly doing better than what was expected of him.

The Catalans recently managed to extend Lionel Messi's contract to 2021 and the Argentine's decision to put pen to paper has warded off many heavyweights who were in line to sign him in 2018. However, is Messi's contract extension enough?

He has certainly kept his high levels but the quality of the squad around him is not as good as that of the Pep Guardiola era. Barca are doing fine, of course, but they will definitely need better talents if they plan to land silverware other than the league title this year.

Making high-profile signings in January is quite a challenge since players are reluctant to move mid-season. Nevertheless, the Catalan club might as well draw out a shortlist for the upcoming winter transfer window in 2018.

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#5 Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)

Hector Bellerin shot to fame as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League in recent years. The Spaniard joined Arsenal in 2011 after learning his trade at the famous La Masia academy in Barcelona.

The 22-year-old was the subject of a bid from Barca this summer and, although the Gunners stated that he wasn't for sale, it won't hurt the Blaugrana to make one more attempt at bringing the Spaniard back to Catalonia.

Statistically, Bellerin has found it hard to overtake Nelson Semedo at the right-back position when their performances in the league are concerned. The Spaniard betters the Portuguese defender only in the air, winning 1.36 aerial duels per game compared to Semedo's 0.11.

So, why should Barcelona invest in Hector Bellerin? Signing the Arsenal right-back will give Valverde the freedom to use Sergi Roberto in midfield, who mostly competes against Semedo for the right-back position. Being one of the fastest players in the game at present, Bellerin's runs with Jordi Alba on the opposite flank will give Barcelona an added incentive during attacks.

But the road to signing their former man will not be easy with Arsene Wenger more than keen to hold on to his prized asset at the Emirates.

#4 Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

Dayot Upamecano is a worthy successor for Gerard Pique

RB Leipzig's 19-year-old defender has already taken the German Bundesliga by storm thanks to his impressive displays in the heart of defence. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and AC Milan have been in hot pursuit of the Frenchman.

Javier Mascherano is aging and Thomas Vermaelen has seen his Blaugrana career blighted with injuries, which puts Ernesto Valverde in a desperate position to sign a back-up in defence. Upamecano might be looked at as a backup for Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti. However, the Frenchman has been way better than the duo at the Camp Nou in the league this season.

The teenager has proven to be a be a better tackler, notching 1.91 tackles per game in contrast to Pique's 1 and Umtiti's 0.50. Upamecano also averages 3.09 interceptions while Pique and Umtiti make 0.67 and 1.75 interceptions per game.

The Frenchman is also better in the air compared to both. He has won 2.82 aerial duels while the duo has an average 1.89 and 1 per game.

Barcelona won't be able to use him in the Champions League this season since he has already appeared for RB Leipzig in the competition. However, the statistical dominance of Dayot Upamecano should be enough for Valverde to shell out cash to sign him, thereby safeguarding the Blaugrana's future in defence.

#3 Carles Soler (Valencia)

Carlos Soler has been better than Andres Iniesta this season

Carles Soler has been one of the brightest players plying his trade in La Liga season. In the rejuvenated Valencia under Marcelino, the Spanish prodigy has served as the creative lynchpin for forwards Simone Zaza and Rodrigo Moreno.

Valencia have used the 4-4-2 system this season which is similar to what Barcelona have deployed on occasion. With Paco Alcacer and Andres Iniesta on the flanks, Barcelona haven't been very effective, which is why Soler's acquisition could prove to be a major coup for the Catalans in January.

Deployed on the right flank by Marcelino, the Spanish wonderkid can function equally well in left and central midfield. A statistical comparison to the Barca midfielders has seen Soler come out on top in certain areas.

Alcacer and Iniesta have notched just 1 assist among themselves, while Soler has 4 to his name in the league. The Spaniard has created 1.23 chances per game - far better than Iniesta's 0.91 and Alcacer's 0.60. Soler has also notched 0.92 key passes per game in contrast to the 0.91 and 0.60 by Iniesta and Alcacer respectively.

Soler's acquisition will provide service for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to score. Also, he could replace Iniesta as the chief playmaker in the years to come.

But the Catalans need to up their ante if they plan to poach Soler with Manchester United already in hot pursuit of the talented youngster.

#2 Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04)

Leon Goretzka has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou

Leon Goretzka has established himself as one of the hottest young prospects in Europe at Schalke 04 and his flashy performances have already seen the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal vie for his signature.

German newspaper SportBild reported Goretzka's meeting with Barca representatives to finalise a move to the Camp Nou in January with the 22-year-old's contract with Schalke expiring in the summer. If he fails to extend his contract, the German outfit may have no option but to offload him in winter rather than lose him for free.

Valverde has opted for a 4-4-2 formation over the preferred 4-3-3 this season, with Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets in midfield. The German prodigy could slot into midfield either alongside Busquets or as his replacement when the need arises.

Goretzka has notched 4 goals - better than the Rakitic, Busquets, and Iniesta combined (2). Compared to their targets Philippe Coutinho and Mesut Ozil, Goretzka has better chances of joining Barcelona this January.

Goretzka's signing will also be a prudent move towards safeguarding Barcelona's future in midfield.

#1 Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

Mauro Icardi would be the perfect replacement for the under-fire Luis Suarez

The Italian Serie A is undoubtedly the league to watch at present, owing to the narrow gap between the top clubs in the table. Amongst the top strikers in the league, Mauro Icardi has been a player to watch this season.

With 15 goals under his belt, the Argentine sits at the top of the scoring charts in second place with Ciro Immobile. With Luis Suarez still trying to find his goal scoring boots this season, Icardi can provide the firepower the Catalans need in front of goal.

The 24-year-old has a better goal-scoring average (1.07) compared to the Uruguayan (0.50). He also boasts a 74% shot accuracy compared to Suarez's 64%. Also, Icardi has proved to be a marginally better creator of chances with 0.86 per game, while Suarez has 0.80 to his credit.

According to the tabloids in Spain, Messi has already asked the board to poach his fellow national teammate. However, with Real Madrid facing the same problems as their arch-rivals, Icardi has also been on the radar of Los Merengues.

It would be better for Barcelona to make haste in snapping up the talented Argentinian.