Barcelona's top 5 transfer targets of the summer

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Leo Messi's strike in the dying seconds of the El Clasico gave the Catalan side a crucial win at Real Madrid, but Los Blancos have bounced back well and have won their next two games in La Liga.

Barcelona are 2nd in La Liga, out of the Champions League and their only hope for silverware this season is the Copa Del Rey. They are in the final of the domestic competition but face Deportivo Alavés - a team which has beaten them already this season.

Now, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the Barcelona board have chalked down their plans for the summer transfer window. The club does not have a manager yet to replace Luis Enrique, but these five players are the top targets for the Blaugrana:

#5 – Hector Bellerin

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Back to Barcelona?

Arsenal right-back, Hector Bellerin is one of the primary targets of the Catalan side this summer. They are on the hunt for a right back as Aleix Vidal has not lived up to the club's expectations.

Seri Roberto is being forced to play as the make-shift right-back this season, and so, the board has decided to sign a player for that position for sure. Bellerin is a La Masia product and fits the bill properly for them.

The Gunners are not willing to let the Spaniard leave. However, the player is said to be keen on heading back to Barcelona. Arsenal will demand up to £40 million for him, and that might make the Catalan side opt for Valencia's João Cancelo or AS Monaco's Djibril Sidibe.

#4 – Theo Hernandez

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 11:  Neymar JR. (L) of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Theo Hernandez (R) of Deportivo Alaves during the La Liga match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on February 11, 2017 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.  (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Opponents now; teammates next season?

Theo Hernandez' move to Barcelona is a deal that's all but done according to reports. Spanish radio station Onda Cero claim that Barcelona are not happy with their current left-back, Jordi Alba and are looking for a replacement.

Real Madrid were also interested in signing the Atletico Madrid full-back, but Atletico were not ready to sell him to their derby rivals. That paved the way for Barcelona to hold talks with the player and also agree a deal with Los Rojiblancos.

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The left-back has a release clause of €24 million, but the clubs have reportedly agreed a fee lower than that. Some reports suggest that Barcelona have even offered Jordi Alba to Atletico on loan for the deal.

#3 - Davison Sanchez

Barcelona calling?

With Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Jérémy Mathieu in their 30's, Barcelona are on the hunt for a young central defender. Ajax's centre-back, Davison Sanchez is the one the board want in the Barcelona squad next season.

Davison was a target for Blaugrana last season, but the player opted to join the Dutch side instead. He was signed for just £4.2 million less than a year ago, but Ajax have slapped a price tag of £21million (€25m) on him.

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The Catalan side sees him as an ideal long-term partner for Samuel Umtiti. Reports suggest that Barcelona will have no hesitation in paying €25 million for the 20-year-old in the summer.

#2 - Philippe Coutinho

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 05:  Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on April 5, 2017 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
One last time?

'Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona' – How many times have we heard this rumour? Well, this summer might be the last one! Barcelona are extremely keen on signing the Brazilian when the transfer window opens.

The club sees him as the ideal long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta. The Barcelona legend's contract expires at the end of the 2017/18 season and reports suggest that he will not be signing a new contract.

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Coutinho is Liverpool's best player and they not willing to let him leave. However, his best friend, Neymar is at Barcelona and has been persuading him to move to Camp Nou. This transfer is bound to cost Barcelona at least £60 million in the summer.

#1 - Marco Verratti

FLORENCE, ITALY - MARCH 20:  Marco Verratti of Italy looks on prior to the training session at the club's training ground at Coverciano on March 20, 2017 in Florence, Italy.  (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Iniesta replacement?

Coutinho is the successor for Iniesta according to the board. However, it's Marco Verratti that the midfielder sees as his replacement.

Barcelona are not the only club interested in him and are set to face tough competition for him. Real Madrid and Chelsea are also interested in him and are ready to pay anything PSG demand for him.

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However, it's advantage Barcelona as reports suggest that Verratti has told his agent that he wants to move to Camp Nou. The PSG star is ready to snub interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid to join the Catalan side. He is bound to cost £70 million.

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Edited by Staff Editor