Barca are searching the transfer market for a world class no. 9

  /  autty

FC Barcelona are beginning to look ahead to the 2019/20 season and one of the key areas which needs strengthening is the forward line. Luis Suarez remains a great and viable option for the present but many of the world's best strikers are already tied down to long-term contracts elsewhere.

Suarez's injury problems last season prove he needs to be rested and shouldn't be involved in every match. Kevin-Prince Boateng was brought in as a stop-gap solution but even he isn't an out and out striker.

The performances of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the Premier League haven't gone unnoticed but there are several factors in favour - and against - signing either of the duo.

After losing to Chelsea in last night's Europa League final, Arsenal will be involved in the same competition next season. The red-hot strikers are good enough to play in the Champions League, even if their team isn't, and both would jump at the chance of joining Barça.

However both are under long-term deals at the North London club and Unai Emery can guarantee them starting places, something which can't be said if they signed for Barça.

There are various young players who have caught Barça's attention this season in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and the Serie A.

Timo Werner is set to leave RB Leipzig but is also wanted by Bayern Munich. Luka Jovic is another popular name after starring on loan at Eintracht. Real Madrid want him too. He's proven himself in Germany but the asking price is set to rule Barça out of the running.

Lille's Nicolas Pépé and AC Milan's Krzysztof Piatek are on the shortlist. Piatek can also play behind a main striker whereas Pepe is more comfortable out wide.

Related: Arsenal Lille Eintracht Frankfurt Milan Barcelona RB Leipzig Aubameyang Lacazette Werner Pepe Jovic Piatek
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