FC Barcelona is in the mood for new star arrivals again!

Only in the summer of last year did the Catalans buy for a mere 153 million euros on the transfer market, securing top players such as Robert Lewandowski (34) and Jules Koundé (24).

The contract for midfield veteran Sergio Busquets (34) expires at the end of the season. After the captain wanted to leave Barça for a long time after the current season on a free transfer, according to Spanish media reports, a one-year extension should now be an option again.

But one thing is clear: sooner or later Busquets will have to find a successor.

That's why Barcelona have several potential midfield stars in their sights. According to "Mundo Deportivo", Martin Zubimendi (23) is the top candidate for coach Xavi (42), himself one of the best playmakers in the club's history.

He plays for league competitor Real Sociedad San Sebastian and only extended to 2027 with the club from the Basque country in October. However, an exit clause of 60 million euros is said to be included in his new working paper.

The Barça problem: After the summer of 2022, the club will probably not be able to lift the clause for the time being. Therefore, two free transfer stars from Chelsea FC could represent significantly cheaper alternatives.

The contracts of N'Golo Kanté (31) and Jorginho (31) are expiring at the Premier League club. Both have been playing at the top level for years and won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021.

However, it is not yet clear whether Jorginho and Kanté really want to leave Chelsea. The London club would like to extend both players, but Barça should be the first point of contact for the two midfield stars in the event of a departure.

Along with Kanté and Jorginho, another Premier League star is on Barça's list. President Joan Laporta (60) is a big fan of Wolverhampton playmaker Ruben Neves (25).

However, Xavi and his coaching staff are not entirely convinced of the Portuguese, as he would not exactly fit the requirements profile of Busquet's successor as the sole, deep playmaker six.

In any case, the next exciting transfer summer is coming up for the Catalans.