Barcelona’s activity in the forthcoming summer transfer window will be largely governed by its financial condition. In a perfect scenario, however, there are three positions the Catalans prefer.

Apart from the full-back and left-wing positions, the defensive midfielder is Barcelona’s single greatest priority. After all, Oriol Romeu’s time at Barcelona may already be judged a failure, with Andreas Christensen currently covering for the Spaniard.

According to rumors from Fichajes, Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka has signaled his wish to represent Barcelona through his agent, Branislav Jarusek.

His entourage has initiated negotiations with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, over a prospective move in the summer, although it remains tricky considering that his contract in Naples goes until 2027.

The 29-year-old has been one of the few immovable components of the jeopardised Napoli side that has struggled all season. He has made 29 league appearances so far this season, averaging over six defensive actions and six ball recoveries per game.

While Lobotka would be an excellent fit for Barcelona in terms of profile, the Catalans’ financial condition and the player’s lengthy contract are the main impediments to his signing.

He now adds to a long list of prospective pivot targets, including Amadou Onana, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Wieffer, and Aleix Garcia.

Barcelona’s activity in the forthcoming summer transfer window will be largely governed by its financial condition. In a perfect scenario, however, there are three positions the Catalans prefer. Apart from the full-back and left-wing positions, the defensive midfielder is Barcelona’s single greatest priority.

After all, Oriol Romeu’s time at Barcelona may already be judged a failure, with Andreas Christensen currently covering for the Spaniard.

According to rumors from Fichajes, Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka has signaled his wish to represent Barcelona through his agent, Branislav Jarusek.

His entourage has initiated negotiations with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, over a prospective move in the summer, although it remains tricky considering that his contract in Naples goes until 2027.

The 29-year-old has been one of the few immovable components of the jeopardised Napoli side that has struggled all season. He has made 29 league appearances so far this season, averaging over six defensive actions and six ball recoveries per game.

While Lobotka would be an excellent fit for Barcelona in terms of profile, the Catalans’ financial condition and the player’s lengthy contract are the main impediments to his signing.

He now adds to a long list of prospective pivot targets, including Amadou Onana, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Wieffer, and Aleix Garcia.

Lobotka was recently seen in action against Barcelona over two legs when the Catalans took on Napoli in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. He was exceedingly impressive in the first leg, but he could not live up to the same standard in the opposite fixture.

Speaking to the media ahead of Barcelona’s second-leg showdown against the Italians, Xavi hailed Lobotka in particular as a player he admired.

“I would say Lobotka. I admire him as a playmaker; he doesn’t lose any balls. I would like to see him at a club like Barça. He makes a lot of difference for Napoli.”

The Barcelona legend’s frank praise, needless to say, has been a major component in opening negotiations between the midfielder’s entourage and the club. It remains to be seen if it can come to fruition.