Barcelona's Summer Transfer Focus: Rashford's Future Unclear, New Targets Emerge

Rumors suggest Barcelona may not activate their purchase option for Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford. The Catalan club aims to bolster its attack this summer, but financial uncertainties mean Rashford's potential acquisition is in doubt.

Despite receiving praise from manager Hansi Flick throughout the season and publicly stating his wish to stay, Catalan media reports indicate Barcelona is trying to negotiate Rashford's price down from the €30m agreed with United last summer. However, sources in England suggest United will not accept an offer below the pre-agreed fee.

Barcelona Keen on Re-signing Jan Virgili

El Chiringuito reports that Barcelona is interested in re-signing La Masia academy product Jan Virgili from RCD Mallorca. The 19-year-old moved to Mallorca last summer in a €3.5m transfer, but Barcelona retains a 50% sell-on clause, which could make his return more affordable if a deal is struck with Mallorca. When questioned about Rashford, Jose Alvarez offered a non-committal "We'll see."

Barcelona Also Keen to Strengthen Defence

Alvarez also named Inter's central defender Alessandro Bastoni and Bayer Leverkusen's left-back Alejandro Grimaldo as potential targets. While Barcelona's interest in Bastoni is widely known, reports regarding Grimaldo, who was previously offered to the club last summer, have been inconsistent. Furthermore, recent speculation suggests Barcelona might entertain offers for their current starting left-back, Alejandro Balde, this summer.

Additionally, the Catalan giants are anticipated to seek a new number nine next summer to serve as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. This priority signing is expected to influence other transfer activities, and it's improbable that Director of Football Deco has a definitive plan in place at this stage.