Barcelona’s squad is in desperate need of reinforcements come the winter transfer window, but they will not be able to add much depth to the team during this time, primarily given the financial constraints.

Signing players in the summer should not be as difficult, though, as Barcelona are confident about having space in their wage bill. The departure of some players could help, as well, with the likes of Marcos Alonso and Sergi Roberto set to become free agents in June.

One of the first positions Barça want to reinforce is the midfield. Despite having one of the strongest midfield cores in the world, Xavi has asked the board to bring in a midfielder as the injury of even one leaves the team short-handed.

The Catalans have, as such, been considering a fair few players, who are on their radar, including three from the Serie A whose contracts expire in June, as per Mundo Deportivo. They are Piotr Zielinski, Adrien Rabiot, and Marten de Roon.

Zielinski | Napoli

Stylistically the best fit of the trio, Zielinski plays as attacking midfielder for Napoli, and was a crucial part of their title-winning run last season, scoring three goals and giving eight assists in 37 games.

The Polish international has missed just 11 games due to injury in the last three seasons combined, and at 29, is in his prime. He would slot in on the left-wing perfectly in Xavi’s dream four-man midfield system.

Rabiot | Juventus

Barcelona are all too familiar with Rabiot, and have been linked with him multiple times in the past, including last summer. The French international has two goals and three assists for Juventus in Serie A this season across 15 appearances.

While a solid box-to-box midfielder, Rabiot is far from the stylistic fit Barcelona are looking for.

de Roon | Atalanta

Oldest of the three, de Roon is Atalanta’s starting pivot. He has been a constant with the Netherlands national team as well, playing alongside Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot.

And while an excellent defender, the Dutchman has the same limitations as Oriol Romeu. He is far from press resistant and cannot progress the ball between lines.