Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Inter Milan ace, club planning Raphinha renewal, and more - September 28, 2024
Barcelona travel to El Sadar on Saturday, September 28, to face Osasuna in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team will be determined to make it eight wins in as many games in the league this season, which will equal their best start to a season.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are interested in an Inter Milan forward. Elsewhere, the Catalans plan to extend Raphinha's stay at Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 28, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Lautaro Martinez
According to a report from Inter Live, Barcelona have identified Lautaro Martinez as a possible successor for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker has shown no signs of slowing down this season, already scoring seven goals from eight games across competitions.
However, the 36-year-old cannot be expected to carry on forever and the Catalan giants are laying down succession plans. Recent reports have suggested that Aston Villa's Jhon Duran is on their radar, although acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that there have been no talks for the Colombian.
It now appears that the La Liga giants are ready to turn to Lautaro Martinez to lead the attack next summer. The Argentine has been in inspired form for club and country of late.
Martinez helped Inter Milan win the Serie A last season, finishing as the top scorer in the league. The 27-year-old then powered La Albiceleste to the Copa America 2024 trophy over the summer, again scoring the most goals in the tournament.
Barcelona are pleased with his efforts and are considering a move for Martinez at the end of this campaign. The player is under contract with until 2029, but the Nerazzurri could be open to his departure for the right price given his struggles this season.
Martinez has yet to score a goal from five games in all competitions this season, but his stock remains high. However, the Catalans' poor finances could pose a problem in the deal.
Catalan giants planning Raphinha renewal
Barcelona are planning to hand Raphinha a new and improved deal, according to SPORT. The Brazilian's contract runs until 2027, but he has been linked with an exit from Camp Nou for a while.
Raphinha was a wanted man this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly eyeing a move. There was interest from the Middle East as well, and it was reported that the Catalans were willing to consider his departure to lessen their financial burden.
However, the 27-year-old was adamant about staying and a move failed to materialize. That decision has been vindicated, with the Brazilian earning a new lease of life under Hansi Flick.
Raphinha has scored five goals and set up three more from eight games across competitions. The Spanish giants are pleased with his effort and want to extend his stay at the club.
Barcelona make Wojciech Szczesny decision
Barcelona will not sign a new goalkeeper until January if they fail to strike a deal for Wojciech Szczesny, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barca are looking for a new goalkeeper following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's unfortunate injury.
The German custodian is all but ruled out for the rest of the campaign and the La Liga giants are looking for his replacement. Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on former Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny as a possible option.
The Pole hung up his boots last month after terminating his contract with Juventus. However, he is apparently set to come out of retirement to help Barcelona deal with their goalkeeper situation.
A medical is reportedly scheduled for Monday, September 30, and should everything go according to plan, Sczsesny could join his new teammates next week.
However, if the Catalan giants fail to reach an agreement with the 34-year-old, they will stick with backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena until January.