Robert Fernandez has confirmed that Barcelona will sign a forward this summer, amidst mounting speculation it will be Luciano Vietto.
Mundo Deportivo reported on Thursday that Barca were ready to sit down with Atletico Madrid with the aim of striking a deal for Vietto, a story that has since been picked up by other major outlets in the Spanish Press.
“We’ll go for a forward, and it won’t take long to decide [on who it’ll be],” the technical secretary said at Lucas Digne’s unveiling on Thursday.
“One of the most important things we look for in the market is whether they’re a good player and that we truly think they can succeed.
“We always keep in mind that players with potential may cost a little more those with experience, but I repeat we have a great team and must value [our existing players].
“There has been talk of many players and many possibilities. We can sign either a young or experienced forward, and we’re looking at both. We’ll study all possibilities.
“Nothing’s changed [with Claudio Bravo]. I’ve heard many things and there’s a lot speculation, but both goalkeepers [including Marc-Andre ter Stegen] are extraordinary and fantastic, so this situation has been created [by the Press]. I see them still here next season. They have a contract.
“We have no concern [about Messi]. He’ll return as soon as possible and start training right away.
“I haven’t spoken to Messi. Holidays are for rest and the player wants to relax and not be near his phone.
“[On a lack of players coming through], unfortunately we don’t have a generation of players at [first-team] level.
“There are some very good players [in La Masia], but we have the same quality as in previous seasons, so we haven’t been able to incorporate youth players
“It’s difficult to maintain this situation [of winning], therefore we’re obliged to focus on other things.”
