Barcelona’s financial woes have been well-documented but the Spanish giants are ready to spend heavy this summer to solve a problem position for next season.
The forward area is a priority for Hansi Flick come the end of the season with Robert Lewandowski in the final few months of his contract.
The Nou Camp outfit have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and according to one Barca board member he and Manchester City star Erling Haaland are obtainable this summer.
Joan Soler, a long-time board member under club president Joan Laporta, insists Barca’s finances wouldn’t be impeded by either player joining.
Soler told the broadcaster Cadena Ser: ‘Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland.
‘These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona’s finances are ready for it.’
Barcelona could target Erling Haaland (left) or Julian Alvarez, according to one of their board
Despite his bold declaration, Soler then went on to add: ‘At the end of the day, Barca must be very careful about the commitments it makes regarding its wage structure.
‘We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it. We must sign players at market prices while keeping an eye on our wage structure.’
The second part of his words align with Sport’s report that Barca are looking at one Haaland’s City team-mates as a cheaper alternative this summer.
The Spanish outlet reports that Alvarez is their dream option but Atletico’s £130.8million valuation is a stumbling block.
As a result they have their eye on City forward Omar Marmoush to fill the void of Lewandowski.
Sport claim that Barcelona were interested in the Egypt forward when he was at Eintracht Frankfurt, before City swooped in and completed a £67m deal last January.
Despite missing out on him a year ago, their interest hasn’t waned with Flick believing he fits the profile of a mobile goalscoring forward who can play anywhere across the front.
Marmoush has had little playing time under Pep Guardiola this season and Barca are confident they could get him for less than the £67m fee City bought him for.
The 27-year-old has made 24 appearances for City this season, scoring two goals. However he has played just a total of 895 minutes which equates to 37 minutes-per-game.
