Barcelona should prioritise re-signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain over bringing Lautaro Martinez to Camp Nou, insisted former star Rivaldo.
La Liga champion Barca tried to lure Neymar back to the club following his world-record €222million move to PSG in 2017, however, a deal did not materialise at the start of the season.
Barca is also reportedly determined to sign Inter's star forward Martinez as it eyes a long-term replacement for veteran Luis Suarez.
Rivaldo – who won a pair of La Liga titles during his time with the Catalan giant – believes Neymar is ready to lead Barca alongside six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.
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"The rumours are growing about Barcelona's intention to sign Neymar and Lautaro Martinez in the next transfer window," Rivaldo wrote in his column for Betfair.
"Although the young Argentinian is a good player, I think that only Neymar is a certain bet to claim a place in the starting XI side by side with Messi.
"Looking at the last few years we have seen many valuable players who didn't manage to play alongside Messi - failing to perform under the expectations.
"But Neymar - like Luis Suarez - is one of the few players in the world that doesn't feel pressure on the pitch, always playing with plenty of personality.
"He never gets frightened and it would be a safe option for the club while Martinez is a young, talented forward that perhaps in two or three years may become a good signing.
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"For now I think the club should prioritise Neymar. I'm a fan of his qualities and personality and I know that sometimes I'm liable to criticism as some Barcelona fans didn't like the way Neymar decided to leave the club.
"But the truth is that he is a different player now who should be a nice help to Messi and co. in trying to win another Champions League."
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