Barcelona's core operation Barcelona Signings needed

Oblivious to the earthquake that shook Krasnodar since Wednesday afternoon, the new technical department at Barcelona arrived in their offices with work to do.

Beyond what happens with Antoine Griezmann, which is more a market opportunity for the price (100 million euros) than an indisputable sporting need, the entity needs to reinforce other areas of the squad.

The most advanced

Some, such as in goal, and Jasper Cillessen to be exact, mean that an unwanted departure forces the club to go to the market again.

On the other hand, other areas such as midfield, are unlikely to feel the pain of too many losses, but potentially have an overbooking there.

Andres Iniesta has left and his theoretical substitute, Philippe Coutinho, stands out more as an attacking midfielder than as a game builder.

An old acquaintance

Then, there are two starters, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, who have just hit 30 years of age, and their alternative in defensive midfield, Paulinho Bezerra, will reach that age in July.

Sergi Roberto, by nature, seems destined to make a career on the right side of midfield whilst Andre Gomes will leave when the first offer arrives.

Finally, there is Denis Suarez and Carles Alena to consider.

All of those are already in situ, and so the picture doesn't take into account Arthur Melo, whose deal has been closed for some time, but has some drawbacks.

The purchase option was agreed for January 2019 and that timeline will stay in place, however, Arthur would also occupy an extra-community place when the quota is currently filled with Coutinho, Paulinho and Yerry Mina.

The hand of Antoine

This difficulty, added to the fact that Arthur would have to experience the classic process of adapting to Europe, leads Barcelona to explore other immediate options and, in any case, ones that are compatible with the Brazilian.

Contacts have intensified in recent days for Frenkie De Jong, and whilst Ajax want to sell him for more than 50 million euros, the Catalans wish to pay less than 40m.

The positive aspect of that particular deal is that he has an affordable salary.

If the Dutch team resists, there are alternatives such as the Russian, Aleksandr Golovin, of which there have been very good reports.

He belongs to CSKA Moscow and would be cheaper than De Jong, however, Juventus are already ahead in the negotiations.

If Griezmann finally stays at Atletico, there would be a bigger budget available, and two players would then become of interest.

Thiago Alcantara, tired of waiting for his chance at Barcelona, signed for Bayern Munich.

Five years later, the Bavarian club recognises that it's better for the midfielder to leave and his price will be somewhere between 60m and 80m euros.

A more remote option is Miralem Pjanic.

The Juventus player has fantasised about a change of scenery before now, but the Turin club intends to extend his contract this summer.

Something similar will happen with Christian Eriksen, the Tottenham midfielder, undoubtedly one of the most coveted players on the continent.