Barcelona started last summer with the left wing position as one of their priorities, but failed to sign a real winger despite targeting Nico Williams. The latest from the Catalan giants is that this remains their top target for next summer.
Although the idea of bringing in a top striker to replace Robert Lewandowski seems too difficult for the Blaugrana to achieve next summer. So the positions they will focus on are the left-wing position and the two full-back positions. They believe that despite Raphinha's stunning performances this season, they need a specialist winger.
Williams remains the favorite for that place, says Sport. The Basque winger decided to stay in Bilbao this season, but Barcelona plan to replace him again if he does not extend his contract with Athletic. His release clause is 65 million euros this season. Williams would earn $9-10 million per season.
Meanwhile, Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is currently in contract talks with his club and is open to leaving the club next summer. He wants a deal worth 4 to 5 million euros per year, while Napoli's asking price is reportedly around 80 million euros. Rafael Leao has also been linked with the Blaugrana, but a move for the Portuguese has been described as 'unlikely'.
If Barcelona were to pay those prices, a five-year contract for Williams would cost them a total of €110-115 million down the stretch. On the other hand, Kvaratskhelia would cost them 100 to 105 million euros in the same period. Depending on the structure of the deal Napoli would demand, the upfront cost could also be a key factor as Barcelona are still well over the salary cap at the moment.
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