Luis Diaz 'is Barcelona's top summer target' despite their financial restrictions - with the Liverpool star 'open to joining the Catalan giants to fulfil a childhood dream'

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing-up a move for Liverpool star Luis Diaz this summer.

Diaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Porto for a fee rising to £50million in January 2022, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.

The winger, who has also won 47 caps for Colombia, has similarly played an integral role this season, starting 31 of Liverpool's 36 Premier League games and outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp has regularly relied on Diaz over the past two-and-a-half years.

However, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer and Diaz is their top target in this position.

While the financial challenges the club face have been widely publicised, the report goes onto claim the Catalan giants are still aiming to strengthen significantly.

Barcelona have already attempted to raise funds and battle monetary restrictions by activating various financial levers, which has included selling off future TV rights income to private companies.

The report goes onto claim that in their attempts to make additions this summer, the club are hoping to meet LaLiga's FFP and salary limits so their permitted spend can be increased.

This is expected to be met by lucrative new sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, while it could also involve selling off further stakes in Barca Studios, the club's in-house production company.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also open to selling several first team stars in another attempt to raise important funds. 

A move for Diaz comes as part of the club's attempts to strengthen on the left wing, with several other targets also eyed-up.

While Diaz is the preferred addition, Barcelona are also reported to be interested in Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo and Porto winger Pepe.

Xavi's side believe that Diaz would fit the team perfectly and are said to have a plan to make the move a reality.

A transfer to Barcelona would also be the fulfilment of a childhood dream for the 27-year-old, with Diaz's dad previously expressing this.

The report goes onto claim that the likelihood of Diaz joining is only enhanced by his current situation at Liverpool.

Although he is under contract until 2027, with Klopp's impending departure, the club are expected to undergo a major restructure under his expected successor Arne Slot.

The German is also said to be his mentor and Diaz has at times been criticised for his performances and consistency. 

Diaz is also believed to be open to a transfer to complete the aforementioned childhood dream, and the report states that if everything goes to plan from all sides, there is a real chance he does become a Barcelona player.

Meanwhile, the Colombian will be hoping to end Klopp's reign in the perfect way by securing a win in his final game against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.