Rivaldo has said that Barcelona are unlikely to sign both Neymar and Lautaro Martinez when the transfer window reopens during the summer. The Blaugrana had earmarked the duo as the prime targets at the beginning of the year and they are currently not in a position to negotiate straight-cash deals for either due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of the duo, Martinez is probably the more affordable with the £102m release clause in his contract but the Blaugrana may need to recoup funds from player sales in order to sanction the striker’s purchase. Speaking on Betfair, Rivaldo highlighted that his former side are holding a keen interest in signing Martinez and that may contribute to them giving up on the purchase of Neymar.

He told: "The strong interest Barca seem to have in Lautaro could mean they have to give up on the signing of Neymar. Because it's impossible to sign them both at the same time. The club must focus on signing one of them. Either would be a great signing, but they have to assess the amounts and the wishes of [Quique] Setien. Ask him: 'which position do you really want to strengthen?'"

The Spanish champions are currently at the top of the league standings but they have only a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid. As a result, the title pursuit could go down to the wire, considering both teams have exchanged positions over the course of the season. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are still alive in the Champions League and the fans will be hoping that the club can end the season on a high with a league and European double.

As things stand, the Camp Nou outfit seem more intent on landing Martinez over Neymar and this is quite acknowledgeable, considering they have lacked a natural replacement for Luis Suarez, when the Uruguayan has been out injured. Antoine Griezmann has bagged a few goals leading the line but he is more effective in a two-man strike partnership than featuring alone upfront.