Barcelona trying to raise funds to make a headline signing this summer

It's going to be a long summer in the transfer market. Barcelona have started quickly, making three signings with Memphis Depay expected to follow. The objective was also to sign Wijnladum but he has opted for PSG. Barça are confident, though, of raising funds to make a top signing that will excite fans and complete a very competitive squad. It's going to be complicated, but they will try.

The sporting department have been working on the ins and outs with coach Ronald Koeman. The budget for signings, without sales, is practically nothing, that's why the first three arrivals have been free transfers. Good players that improve the squad. Moving players on will be the next step in signing a top-class forward. It won't be easy but the club are working on several exits to reduce the wage bill and to even bring in some cash.

Both Koeman and the club feel Barça need to add goals. Depay and Aguero help in that sense, but everyone agrees a young forward is also necessary. There are not many on the market but the two names that could come into play are Erling Haaland and Lautaro Martinez. Barça have at least positioned themselves in the race if they do become available.

There's no doubt that Haaland is the dream. He's considered a strategic signing for the present and the future. His agent, Mino Raiola, has an excellent relationship with Laporta, but Borussia Dortmund don't want to negotiate. And there won't be developments until after the European Championships, when perhaps the German club will be more willing to talk.

Lautaro is more do-able. Inter are open to negotiations his sale and would even accept players as part exchance. The price could be around 80 million euros and the Argentine wants to come. Real Madrid and Atletico have also asked, but Martinez prefers Barça.

Firstly, though, Barça must sell. Loans won't be enough. They have reached the conclusion that a big name must be sold and all eyes are on Dembele and Griezmann. With the first, offers will be welcome if he doesn't renew and Griezmann will depend on the Euros. That's where the money comes from to sign.

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