Barcelona’s top transfer target emerges ahead of expected Ilkay Gundogan exit and it would stun world football

Barcelona have reportedly decided on their next big transfer target amid doubts over the future of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The German decided to call time on his hugely successful seven-year stint at Manchester City, which culminated in him lifting the Champions League, last summer.

The Guardian now report that Gundogan is keen on a return to Manchester before the transfer window slams shut - and that City are keen on a reunion with their former star.

Gundogan did not feature in Barca's opening weekend La Liga win over Valencia, though manager Hansi Flick says he has 'the feeling' that the 33-year-old will stay in Spain.

Barca managed to sign the former City captain on a free transfer last year. They placed a £342 million buyout clause in his contract - although it goes without saying that interested clubs wouldn't have to pay that fee to sign him.

Now, according to a new report, Barca may sanction the exit if they can sign another world football star.

Spanish journalist Fernando Polo claims that they have targeted AC Milan star Rafael Leao as their key target for the summer window.

It is said that Leao would 'love' to make the move to a club such as Barca, with Milan demanding around €90 million to sell him.

Twitter/@ffpolo

Les Cules have completed two permanent signings this window, with Pau Victor arriving from Girona for €2.7 million.

They then completed a deal to sign long-term target Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for €55 million amid Premier League interest from Manchester City and Bundesliga interest from Bayern Munich following on from a strong Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.

Gianluca DiMarzio, meanwhile, has linked Barca with the signing of Juventus winger Federico Chiesa and claims that the club have already held talks with the player's representatives ahead of a potential move.