Barcelona responds to Real Madrid's signings of Cucurella and Silva

Real Madrid has accelerated its summer transfer plans by signing former Barcelona player Marc Cucurella and is close to acquiring Bernardo Silva. Barcelona, while interested in both players, has prioritized signing a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski over pursuing Cucurella and Silva. Club sources commented on Madrid's moves, implying that Deco appears more involved in the signings than expected. Barcelona continues to monitor Cucurella but has opted not to pay his €60 million fee, citing depth in the position with young options available. Discussions around a potential exit for player Balde are ongoing but are not expected to materialize this summer.

• 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Seems Deco is their sporting director’- Barcelona’s response to Real Madrid going for Marc Cucurella & Bernardo Silva