Only Messi, Ter Stegen, De Jong are untouchable at Barcelona - report

Barcelona reportedly consider captain Lionel Messi, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong as the only players in the squad who they do not want to lose this summer.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a big effect on the club’s finances and transfer plans and means they now think players will have to be sold or used in part-exchange if they are to acquire their top targets this summer, according to ESPN.

Barca remain keen to bring in Lautaro Martinez and Neymar, and they would also like a right-back, a centre-back and another midfielder.

The report reckons their financial situation means they are likely have to to choose between Lautaro and Neymar, and they have already spoken to Inter Milan about including players in a deal for Martinez.

ESPN say that when it comes to transfer talks only Messi, Ter Stegen and De Jong are “untouchable,” and the names of Carles Alena, Arturo Vidal, Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic are mentioned regarding a deal with Inter.

The latest report follows news from CatRadio on Thursday that Barca can no longer afford to sign Neymar because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.