Barcelona are currently pushing to bring Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski to Camp Nou.
The Poland international has informed his German club that he wants to seek pastures new this summer, 12 months before the end of his contract at Allianz Arena.
Lewandowski again enjoyed an impressive campaign for Bayern in 2021-22, scoring 50 times and registering seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
However, the 33-year-old is seemingly keen for a new challenge at this stage of his career, and Barcelona are desperately attempting to bring him to Camp Nou.
With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at how the team could line up next season, should the La Liga giants manage to convince Bayern to let the experienced forward leave.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang impressed for Barcelona in the second half of last season, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances, but he would have to accept a role off the bench next term if Lewandowski arrives.
The Poland international would lead the line if he moves to Camp Nou and could be joined by Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati in the front three, with the latter overcoming his long injury problems in the final stages of last term.
Barcelona will be cautious with Fati, but the Spain international is a highly exciting talent and would be such an important player for the team if he can stay free of injuries next term.
Frenkie de Jong's possible departure to Manchester United would open up a spot in midfield; Gavi is capable of filling it, but Franck Kessie, who has allegedly agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer from AC Milan, could feature alongside Pedri and Sergio Busquets in the middle.
Barcelona have also allegedly agreed to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free, but Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique could continue as the first-choice centre-backs next term.
Jordi Alba is also likely to start the campaign as the first-choice left-back, even if Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, or another full-back, move to Camp Nou in the upcoming market.
On the other side, there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Dani Alves and Sergino Dest, and Xavi's side continue to be strongly linked with Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta.
The experienced defender could play at right-back if he moves to Barcelona this summer, with Sergi Roberto providing back up, providing that he overcomes his injury problems.
There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay and Adama Traore, and Barcelona still have financial problems, but there is room for manoeuvre this summer, and it could be an exciting 2022-23 campaign for the team if they manage to land their leading targets.
Matt Law
