Barcelona's three-man transfer shortlist includes Arsenal target Alexander Isak

Barcelona are reportedly preparing a three-man transfer shortlist ahead of the summer.

It will only be used, however, if they failed to sign Erling Haaland. The 21-year-old is said to be the Catalan outfit's primary target and has a £63million transfer clause.

But several other top European sides - including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City - are also thought to be after Haaland's signature.

Cash-strapped Barcelona may struggle afford the Borussia Dortmund ace's demands and, according to ESPN via Sport, manager Xavi may look elsewhere.

Here is Barcelona's three-man shortlist and what each player offers the Spanish giants.

Who should Barcelona sign in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Alexander Isak

The Swede, 22, has a good CV and is reportedly a target for Arsenal.

Isak is currently playing for Real Sociedad and has a decent record in La Liga, scoring 30 goals in 89 appearances. Just four of those goals, however, have come this term.

The promising striker is tipped to have a big future and is already a regular at international level, winning 32 senior caps and picking up a man of the match award at Euro 2020.

"Don't think there's much doubt that Alexander Isak will attract a lot of attention from clubs across Europe," tweeted Gary Lineker last June. "Exceptional talent."

Isak's inconsistent scoring record will concern Barcelona and so will his two-and-a-half-year spell at Dortmund, failing to make an impression in the Bundesliga.

Sociedad could also demand a huge transfer fee, with rumours suggesting he has a £76m buy-out clause - £13m more than Haaland's.

Isak certainly has potential, but signing him may be a risk not worth taking.

Antony

The Brazilian, 21, is another emerging talent and has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Antony joined Ajax ahead of the 2020-21 campaign and has since scored 16 goals in 48 Eredivisie outings, helping the Dutch giants complete a league and cup double last term.

The winger was part of the Brazil squad that won gold at the Olympics last summer and has seven senior caps. He's even been dubbed the "New Neymar" by some critics.

"My goals are to become a champion, to make history, grow as a footballer, and to be an example on and off the pitch," said Antony in December 2020.

"And maybe, in the future, who knows, enter the race to be crowned the best in the world."

Like Isak, his scoring record isn't prolific and it's unclear whether he will develop into a striker or remain a winger. He's also never played in one of Europe's top leagues.

Antony, however, is likely to be cheaper than Isak. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is £31.5m and Ajax are known as a selling club.

Barcelona and Ajax also have a cultural association thanks to Johan Cruyff's achievements at both clubs, giving the Catalan side an edge over their European rivals.

Lisandro Martinez

If Barcelona sign Antony, it's believed that will free up their budget and allow them to sign his Ajax team-mate Martinez.

The six-cap international - who was part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America last summer - would boost their defensive options.

The centre-back is also at a great age - 24 - offering Xavi a good balance between experience and youth. He's made 16 Eredivisie appearances this season.

And Martinez is a big fan of former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving the Catalan giants last summer.

"He is a born leader," he said last March. "We won't be able to keep Messi for a hundred years, but the years that he can be in the national team, we will try to enjoy it to the fullest.

"It is very nice to observe how he plays, how he sees things differently, how he anticipates the action. It is just a matter of watching him and observing him because he is incredible."

Like Antony, though, he's yet to sample a top European league and wouldn't come cheap. Transfermarkt value him at £28.8m.

If rumours are to be believed, it appears Barcelona have a decision to make in the summer: sign Haaland or Isak - or sign Antony and Martinez.

Whether they can realistically afford any of them players, though, remains to be seen.