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How Barcelona could line-up next season with Marcus Rashford in attack and Chelsea duo in defence on free transfers


XAVI is plotting Barcelona’s way back to the top next season.

The LaLiga giants had a nightmare start to this campaign under Ronald Koeman, under a cloud of financial ruin and the departure of Lionel Messi.

Xavi is building for a bright future at BarcelonaCredit: EPA

Koeman’s replacement Xavi has steadied the ship, however, with things now looking up at the club under new president Joan Laporta.

Barca now look good value to clinch a top four position, with second-place Sevilla now firmly in their sights.

And with Champions League football for next season set to be secured, Laporta will go all out to improve the Xavi’s squad for next season.

Barcelona are looking for a forward, with Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford their latest shock target.

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They will then focus on trying to secure the signatures of the world’s top free agents.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue between the sticks, but there could be a lot of changes in front of him.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilcueta looks set to join Barca on a free transfer after a decade at Stamford Bridge.

And he could be joined by Blues team-mate Andreas Christensen, who is also out of contract in West London this summer.

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The Dane could be joined at centre-back by veteran Gerard Pique, although Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia will battle for places.

Jordi Alba will remain a veteran presence at left-back.

The likely addition of Franck Kessie from AC Milan will give Xavi plenty of options for his midfield trio.

Pedri has emerged as a superstar over the last two seasons and will be a nailed on starter, while former Ajax prodigy Frenkie de Jong will be strongly placed.

Wonderkid Gavi has got a great case to start, while Sergio Busquets will still be useful for his former midfield partner Xavi.

Up top, Barca now have plenty of options.

January additions Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore have all made a big difference.

While fans can get excited about the return of injured starlet Ansu Fati, as well as the possible addition of Rashford – while his ex-Old Trafford team-mate Memphis Depay will also be competing for a place in the team.

Marcus Rashford could look to rebuild his career in SpainCredit: Getty
Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta could head to Barcelona togetherCredit: Rex


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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