Barcelona were second-best to Real Madrid in La Liga last season and also watched their bitter rivals lift the UEFA Champions League for a record-extending 14th time. Manager Xavi is likely to use the summer to help his tema script a return to their glory days next campaign.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are willing to cash in on Frenkie de Jong to fund a move for three players. Elsewhere, a Manchester City midfielder is ready to move to the Camp Nou this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on June 17, 2022:
Barcelona willing to cash in on Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona are ready to cash in on Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to journalist Victor Navarro via Barca Universal.
The Dutch midfielder is a priority for Manchester United this summer. The Blaugrana are currently locked in negotiations regarding a possible move. The La Liga giants are willing to offload the 25-year-old to fund moves for Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Bernardo Silva.
The Blaugrana would have liked to keep De Jong at the Camp Nou, but their hands are tied due to their unstable financial position. The La Liga giants will hope to raise at least €80 million from the Dutchman’s departure to reinvest in the squad.
Bernardo Silva ready to move to Camp Nou
Bernardo Silva is ready to join Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo via Barca Blaugranes.
The Portuguese midfielder is wanted at the Camp Nou this summer. Xavi is refurbishing his squad ahead of a vital season and wants the Manchester City man to join his project. The 27-year-old is also enticed by the idea of moving to the Camp Nou.
Silva has already informed City that he wants to leave and has asked the club to listen to offers from the Blaugrana. The report claims that the two clubs are already in contact regarding a move, although there has been no official bid yet. The Premier League champions are likely to demand €80 million and add-ons worth €20 million for the Portuguese.
Robert Lewandowski urges Bayern Munich to let him leave
Robert Lewandowski has said that he has asked Bayern Munich to sanction a transfer this summer.
The Polish international is set to enter the final year of his contract with the Bavarians. However, he's unwilling to put pen to paper on a new deal and wants to depart the Allianz Arena. Barcelona are the favourites to secure his services this year.
Speaking to BILD (as relayed by Marca), the 33-year-old said that his transfer could be beneficial for all parties involved.
"I still have a year left on my contract, that's why I've asked the club for the go-ahead for a transfer. I think that in the current situation, it's the best solution, especially as the club can still receive money from a transfer,” said Lewandowski.
He added:
“I don't want to force anything; it's not about that. It's about finding the best solution. We need to cool down, I want to talk calmly and not through the media. I hope the fans will understand me one day.”