Barcelona allocate $22m to sign new forward

FC Barcelona plan to allocate about 20 million euros ($22.1 million) to sign a new forward for the new football season, an official of the Catalan giants has said.

Upon the presentation of the figures for the fiscal year 2015-16, Susana Monje, vice-president of economic area, said the Catalan club's board allocated $22.1 million to sign a fourth attacker, beside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, reports Efe.

Barcelona have already allocated 60 million euros ($66.5 million) for this summer's signings, but they spent about 80 million euros ($88.7 million) to get the services of Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes.

Barcelona signed 22-year-old Portugal midfielder Gomes from Valencia for 35 million euros ($38.8 million), plus 20 million euros ($22.1 million) as possible variables.

Regarding Gomes deal, Monje said the club defined the transfer as "a market opportunity" and considered it "a breakthrough" of the planned investment for next season.

Spanish media have linked veteran Dutchman Robin van Persie, German journeyman Mario Gomez, Luciano Vietto and Ayoze Perez among the forwards to be signed by Barcelona.

Their earlier target, Celta Vigo's Nolito opted to move to Manchester City, while Juventus rejected $80 million offer for 22-year-old Argentine Paulo Dybala just before the summer.

--IANS

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