Raphinha, Dembele, Di Maria: What will Barcelona decide this summer?
Which winger will be at Camp Nou when the season starts in August?
Barcelona have their hands tied in planning for next season. Until they activate the famous 'palancas' (financial operations such as the sale of TV rights) and start to move players on to make space within their salary cap, they cannot sign players.
However, the priorities are defined and the signing of a winger is considered essential for Xavi. In fact, the ideal plan is to keep Ousmane Dembele and sign Raphinha. That's almost impossible.
Raphinha
With regards to the Brazilian, the balloon has deflated after Leeds United stayed in the Premier League and his release clause did not drop to €25 million. And the competition for Raphinha has grown. Barça aren't as certain they can sign him. The financial disparity with Leeds is big: while they offer 30 million euros, Leeds are asking for 60 million.
There is a meeting planned with Leeds this week. Remember that Deco, his agent, wants to push the player to Camp Nou.
Dembélé
Everything suggests Dembele will leave Barça when his deal expires on June 30 and sign for another club. At the moment, Chelsea are the favourites ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, whose interest has dipped. Barça's offer is still on the table. Barça are planning without him.
Di María
The Argentine will not continue at PSG and is a free agent. He's crazy about returning to Spain and has offered himself to Barcelona. Despite being close to Juventus, he's waiting to see what the Catalan club decide.
It would not be a big investment for Barça vs. Dembele or Raphinha and the option is gaining weight within the club. His five years with Real Madrid ans shh-ing the Barça fans while with PSG count against him.
