Barcelona will choose between three world-class forwards for the summer

Barcelona are gearing up for a huge summer window later this year as they look to get their squad in shape to help Xavi Hernandez lead the team back to the top.

The 42-year-old has done a solid job already since taking over the reins in November last year. Some smart transfer dealings in January have come in extremely handy for the Blaugrana and they will be aiming to build on that in the summer.

A top priority for Barcelona ahead of the next season is bringing in a world-class striker to fill the void left by Lionel Messi’s departure last summer. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been an effective addition since arriving in January, but more firepower will be needed at Camp Nou.

Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong will likely leave the club while Memphis Depay’s future also remains uncertain. It would leave Aubameyang as the only natural centre-forward at Xavi’s disposal – something that Barça are intent on avoiding.

And, as per SPORT, the Catalan heavyweights have identified three world-class options to bolster their attacking ranks in the form of Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

Haaland is the top priority for Barcelona heading into the summer window. However, recent reports have indicated that they have fallen behind Real Madrid and Manchester City in pursuit of the 21-year-old striker.

Furthermore, the finances involved in signing him are another roadblock for the club, while there are some contractual issues as well. It is said that Haaland wants a short-term deal whereas Barça plan to hand him a long-term contract with an increasing salary each year.

In case their pursuit of Haaland fails, Barcelona have identified Lewandowski as a suitable Plan B. The 33-year-old’s contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2023 and he is yet to sign an extension.

The Poland captain is believed to be keen on one final big move in his career, with Camp Nou emerging as a likely destination. Barça would offer the veteran striker a four-year deal in order to lure him away from Die Roten.

Finally, the third option that the Blaugrana would be looking at is Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah. Much like Lewandowski, the Egyptian speedster is also entering the final year of his deal and is yet to agree a new contract with Liverpool, leading to question marks over his future.

The 29-year-old is among one of the best attackers in world football currently and is expecting Barcelona to make an offer to sign him in the summer. Again, though, Salah would be considered by the Catalans only if they fail to get their hands on Haaland.