5 stars Barcelona should target in the summer

The Blaugrana have made some exciting additions to the squad ever since the departure of Neymar Jr. Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele arrived at the club during the summer and winter transfer window respectively.

With a 9-point lead over the second-placed Atletico Madrid, there is no catching the Catalan giants in La Liga this campaign. They are yet to lose a game this season and playing some sublime football under their new manager Ernesto Valverde.

However, the Barcelona squad is far from being complete. The defence undoubtedly needs some reinforcements, Andres Iniesta is reaching the fag end of his career, and Suarez is 31. Further, they cannot continue to depend entirely on Lionel Messi, who will be 31 in the summer.

If they want to continue their dominance in Europe, they must look to organize a squad for the future.

On that note, let's take a look at 5 players Barcelona should try and sign in the summer transfer window:

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#5 Arthur Melo

Is he the next Iniesta?

Arthur Melo has caught the attention of some of the top European clubs after leading Gremio to the Copa Libertadores title in 2017. However, Barcelona are believed to be leading the race to sign the 21-year-old Gremio star.

A product of Gremio's youth academy, Melo helped Gremio win the Copa do Brasil in 2016. Notably, he won the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Best Newcomer award in 2017. Arthur has also represented his national team at under-17 and under-20 levels.

His passing ability and vision have earned him comparisons to Andres Iniesta. Arthur has a €50 million release clause, but Barcelona will look to tie him down for lesser. The central midfielder was even called into the Brazil squad for the final two rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification stages.

#4 David Alaba

David Alaba is an unbelievably versatile defender

Alaba is one of the best defenders in the world because of his versatility. The Austrian international can play as a centre-back or in the midfield and also in his more natural position as a left-back, and the Blaugrana have been admirers of the 25-year-old for a long time.

Alaba has made 287 appearances for Bayern Munich, and is excellent in possession with good dribbling and passing abilities. He possesses blistering pace and can turn defense into attack in a split second. Defensively, he is composed at the back and can make beautiful crosses into the box. Further, he also shows a lot of maturity for a 25-year-old.

His versatility will offer a lot of options for Valverde at the back. Lucas Digne has struggled this campaign and Alaba can help reduce the workload of Jordi Alba. All in all, he will most certainly improve the quality of this Barcelona squad.

#3 Timo Werner

RB Leipzig's sensation is one of the best strikers in Europe

Red Bull Leipzig's Timo Werner is one of the most prolific strikers in Europen football right now. He scored 21 times for RP Leipzig in Bundesliga last campaign and made his Germany debut in 2017. He has already scored 7 times in 10 appearances for Germany and is expected to lead the line in Russia 2018.

Barcelona have begun the hunt for the long-term successor to Luiz Suarez. Suarez, 31, seems to have rediscovered sublime form this season but Valverde needs a young quality striker to help out the Uruguayan and reduce his workload.

21-year-old Werner is a technically gifted player, possesses great pace, has deadly finishing abilities and can get in behind defences. Barcelona will have to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich for his signature. While it is highly likely that he will cost them a whopping fee, but Barcelona have the riches to pull off the deal.

#2 Marco Verratti

Will he make his most anticipated move next summer?

Marco Verratti has been, and continues to be a long-term target for the Catalan giants. It is no secret that Barcelona tried to sign him during the summer of 2017, but Paris Saint-Germain, backed by Qatar Sports Investments, held firm.

The 25-year-old central midfielder is known for his close ball control, ability to retain possession in tight spaces, and vision. His wide range of passing combined with precision makes him a world class midfielder. The Italian also has good defensive abilities and can make menacing forward runs from deep in the midfield.

Barcelona have been struggling to fill the void left by Xavi Hernandez and the Italian is thought of as an ideal candidate. With Andres Iniesta reaching the twilight of his career, Barcelona needs an experienced and quality player in the middle of the park and Marco Verratti fits the bill perfectly.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

Will Barcelona pay his huge release clause?

The Frenchman is regarded as one of the best attacking players in the world. He is a versatile player and can play anywhere in the front-line. Diego Simeone has deployed him in a central role as an attacking midfielder, as the main striker, or as a winger as well on either flank.

Manchester United were reportedly pursuing the Frenchman with great intensity last summer, but he decided to stay in Spain because of Atletico Madrid's transfer ban which would have prevented them from replacing him immediately.

The 26-year-old possesses an excellent technique and is a prolific finisher with either foot, and is known for his work-rate, creativity, and intelligent movement.

Griezmann finished behind Messi and Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or in 2016, and was also voted La Liga's best player in the same year. He is a consistent player and has scored 94 goals in 187 appearances for Atletico Madrid, and will undeniably be a great addition to the Barcelona squad.