Barça are searching the transfer market for a world class no. 9
Their shortlist includes various youngsters who have proven their worth in the Bundesliga or LaLiga
FC Barcelona are beginning to look ahead to the 2019/20 season and one of the key areas which needs strengthening is the forward line. Luis Suarez remains a great and viable option for the present but many of the world's best strikers are already tied down to long-term contracts elsewhere.
Suarez's injury problems last season prove he needs to be rested and shouldn't be involved in every match. Kevin-Prince Boateng was brought in as a stop-gap solution but even he isn't an out and out striker.
'ARSENAL'S lethal DUO'
The performances of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the Premier League haven't gone unnoticed but there are several factors in favour - and against - signing either of the duo.
After losing to Chelsea in last night's Europa League final, Arsenal will be involved in the same competition next season. The red-hot strikers are good enough to play in the Champions League, even if their team isn't, and both would jump at the chance of joining Barça.
However both are under long-term deals at the North London club and Unai Emery can guarantee them starting places, something which can't be said if they signed for Barça.
YOUNGSTERS WITH POTENTIAL
There are various young players who have caught Barça's attention this season in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and the Serie A.
Timo Werner is set to leave RB Leipzig but is also wanted by Bayern Munich. Luka Jovic is another popular name after starring on loan at Eintracht. Real Madrid want him too. He's proven himself in Germany but the asking price is set to rule Barça out of the running.
Lille's Nicolas Pépé and AC Milan's Krzysztof Piatek are on the shortlist. Piatek can also play behind a main striker whereas Pepe is more comfortable out wide.
PERFORMANCES IN THE 2018/19 SEASON
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal / Contract until June 2021 / 18-06-1989 / 31 goals & 8 assists in 51 matches / central striker
- Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal / Contract until June 2022 / 28-05-1991 / 19 goals & 13 assists in 49 matches / central striker
- Timo Werner RB Leipzig / Contract until June 2020 / 06-03-1996 / 19 goals & 10 assists in 37 matches / central striker
- Luka Jovic Eintracht Frankfurt / Contract until June 2023 / 23-12-1997 / 27 goals & 7 assists in 48 matches / central striker, can play as mediapunta
- Krzysztof Piatek AC Milan / Contract until June 2023 / 01-07-1995 / 30 goals & 2 assists in 42 matches / central striker, can play as mediapunta
- Nicolas Pépé LOSC Lille / Contract until June 2022 / 29-05-1995 / 23 goals & 12 assists in 41 matches / right winger, can play as central striker
VALUE IN THE CURRENT MARKET (ACCORDING TO TRANSFERMARKT)
- Aubameyang - 75 million
- Werner - 65 million
- Lacazette - 65 million
- Jovic - 55 million
- Piatek - 40 million
- Pepé - 40 million
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