Barcelona's summer transfer strategy is taking shape as the Catalan giants eye Liverpool's Luis Díaz and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as potential attacking reinforcements. The club is actively exploring options to strengthen their forward line while managing their financial constraints.
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona has shifted their focus from Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, whose €100 million price tag proves prohibitive, to more attainable targets. Luis Díaz has emerged as a viable summer option, while the club could potentially trigger Benjamin Sesko's €65 million release clause at RB Leipzig, potentially beating Arsenal to his signature.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's current striker Robert Lewandowski, who has netted an impressive 31 goals this season, is reportedly close to extending his contract through the 2025-26 season. This extension could provide the club with additional flexibility in their recruitment strategy.
In other transfer developments, Manchester City is preparing a second attempt to sign Bayer Leverkusen's promising midfielder Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old German international has been exceptional this season, contributing 15 goals and 10 assists in 29 appearances. Christian Falk of Bild reports that while Wirtz is expected to sign a contract extension, his representatives have negotiated a release clause that becomes active in 2026.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also made his position clear regarding defender Eric García, considering him crucial to the club's future despite interest from European clubs. García, who recently scored in Barcelona's 4-1 victory over Sevilla, has made 18 appearances this season.
USMNT star Christian Pulisic continues to impress at AC Milan and is reportedly close to signing a new contract until 2029, worth €5 million per year. The 26-year-old has been in stellar form, recording 12 goals and seven assists in 30 matches across all competitions.
In the Premier League, Manchester United and Arsenal are monitoring Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, who recently scored four goals in a 5-0 win over Hellas Verona, bringing his season tally to 20 league goals. Paris Saint-Germain is also reportedly interested in the 25-year-old striker.
Chelsea has secured the future signing of 16-year-old striker Dastan Satpaev from FC Kairat Almaty for £3.3 million, though he won't be able to join the club until he turns 18 in August 2026.
ESPN's Sam Marsden suggests that Barcelona's transfer activities will require careful financial planning. While the club is finally operating within LaLiga's financial fair play rules, they must balance their desire for a new striker with other priorities, including adding width in attack and depth at full-back. Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Athletic Club's Nico Williams are being considered as options to strengthen the wide areas, but the club acknowledges they won't have the resources to address all their transfer targets.
