Lionel Messi, Ilkay Gundogan and the 10 players Barcelona are most likely to sign in the 2023 summer transfer window

Heard of him? The Messi saga seems to change every hour, but, fundamentally, Barcelona want him and Messi wants to go. Everything hinges, it appears, on the Blaugrana's finances. Their financial viability package was reportedly approved by La Liga, but the Spanish giants have to complete the registrations of a number of players before they can turn to their club legend.

They will rely on Messi to wait, it appears, something the Argentine has given little indication he will do. One to watch (if you weren't already)...

Gundogan seemed poised for a City exit just a few weeks ago, having failed to agree a new contract. But rumours have since cropped up that the Germany midfielder might want to stay in Manchester, and that would complicate what, at one point, seemed a very straightforward Barcelona deal.

The club have a concrete interest in the centre-midfielder, and he would certainly offer quality to the Barca engine room. If he shoots down City's offer — a real possibility — the Blaugrana could snap him up.

Everyone would seemingly like Vitor Roque, but not everyone can afford him. He isn't the first Brazilian teenager to be compared with Ronaldo, and he certainly won't be the last, but his electric pace and finishing ability certainly evoke memories of the legendary striker.

The Blaugrana don't need a No.9 immediately, but Vitor won't quite be ready for top-flight European football for a year or two, anyway, and by that time, Robert Lewandowski will be in the twilight of his career.

But other clubs share similar thinking. Arsenal and Real Madrid are both also interested, but all three need impact players now. Would they be willing to splash €45 million (£39m/$49m) on someone who isn't yet ready?

Neves reportedly divides opinion inside the Barcelona boardroom. Club president Joan Laporta is a massive fan, and sees the Wolves midfielder as the ideal pivot to replace the outgoing Busquets. Xavi, though, isn't quite as convinced and would prefer other options.

Whether he's first choice for the spot or not, there have been a number of concrete links to the Portugal international, who has made it clear he wants out of Molineux— and would like a Barcelona move. Everything could come together at the right price.

Pavard looks a smart investment for any club who wants a quality right-back at a decent price. The Bayern man has made it clear that he doesn't intend to sign a new contract, and with his current deal running out in 2024, could be available on the cheap this summer.

Barcelona need another quality player on the right of their defence. Although Jules Kounde was reliable in 2022-23, Sergi Roberto is the only other real option at the position. A top-tier addition could work wonders.

Xavi's preferred option to replace Busquets, Zubimendi enjoyed a breakout season with Real Sociedad. One of the league's best pivots, the Spanish midfielder is now attracting attention from around Europe. And it makes sense, too.

Zubimendi has the strength and mobility to command space, as well as the passing range to serve as a creative presence from the role. Busquets himself, meanwhile admitted that Zubimendi would be a good signing.

However, he won't come cheap, despite Barcelona's reported interest. La Real will command a massive fee for their star player having secured Champions League qualification — something Barcelona simply might not be able to afford.

Barcelona know Veiga pretty well at this point. The midfielder battered them on the final day of the season, bagging a brace to keep Celta Vigo up and end the Blaugrana's title-winning season with an embarrassing defeat.

Celta have no interest in letting him go, but Veiga has a reported €40m (£35m/$44m) release clause in his contract, a number a fair few teams will have little difficulty reaching — especially for someone so good at just 21. Barcelona are among a host of interested teams, making Veiga one to watch.

Barca conducted a clever piece of business when they sold misfit Memphis Depay to Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window. Although they go next to nothing in return for the winger, they managed to insert an agreement into the deal that would allow them to sign Carrasco for a reasonable €20m in the summer.

And that option is still reportedly on the table. His arrival, of course, depends on movements elsewhere. It is likely that Barca have to sell Ansu Fati or Raphinha to clear the books, and Carrasco could be a cheap back-up to top everything off.

Rumours have kicked off in Bavaria after club officials Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic were let go following Bayern's title win last week. A number of contract negotiations were put on hold, while the future of a few players seemed to lose clarity.

Kimmich is one of them. The defensive midfielder has two years left on his Bayern deal, and is believed to be open to a move. Xavi only fueled speculation a few days ago when he admitted to Mail Onlinethat the Blaugrana would open talks for the midfielder if he was made available by the Bundesliga champions.

A few eyebrows were raised when Cancelo left Man City on loan in January. It was difficult to see why Pep Guardiola would let such a good player go with so little fanfare. But things quickly became clear: the City boss and Cancelo were not getting on, and the player was told he could go. And Cancelo doesn't look likely to play for City again, leaving a supremely creative talent out on the market.

This one could be a perfect match for Barca. They need a bit more attacking imagination from right-back, and could also use some cover on the left. Cancelo, conveniently, can do both. His time playing for Guardiola should've also instilled enough so-called Barca DNA to make him a hit in Catalunya.