Lionel Messi has told Barcelona to stop chasing Lautaro Martinez or Neymar until next summer, but it’s not a good recommendation from the captain.
Barcelona faced Napoli in their first leg of the UEFA Champions League’s round of 16. The Catalans’ poor form on the road in Europe continued with a 1-1 draw in Italy, where Antoine Griezmann struck to nullify Dries Mertens’ opening goal. The Belgium international is 32 years old, but still one of the most prominent players in the world in his position.
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Luis Suarez will be replaced sooner or later and the club’s agenda is to bring in the Uruguayan’s substitute this summer. Making a deal for Lautaro Martinez work is proving to be increasingly difficult for the Blaugrana, who are struggling with their finances and may not be in a position to meet Inter Milan’s demanded some of 111 million euros.
Don Balon has reported that Lionel Messi has told the Barca board to go for Dries Mertens on a short-term basis. The 32 year old’s contract at the San Paolo Stadium expires this summer and it looks like the player is going to move on to a greener pasture. Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have already been linked with him, as have Barca in the latest gossip.
Whether Dries Mertens is willing to commit himself to any club on a short-term contract remains to be seen and more so, when he can play on the top level for another couple of years at the very least. Having said that, Chelsea will be able to offer him more minutes than anyone else and hence, they should be considered frontrunners in Mertens’ quest.
Instead of looking to sign Dries Mertens, Quique Setien must give Antoine Griezmann the leeway to play in a central forward’s role. The former Atletico Madrid striker is one of the best in the world but being misused has seen the France international suffer a slack in form. The last thing that Barca must do at this point is look for aged players who may flop and rather wait for another year to sign their targets.
What do you think Barca must do with regards to a big-money signing this summer?