Barcelona were crowned champions of Spain last season but they immediately had to set about rebuilding their midfield.

The first reason for that was club captain Andres Iniesta leaving Barca after 22 years and moving to Japan.

That immediately left a creative hole in their side and one that they have attempted to fill with Brazilian Arthur, signed for an initial €31 million from Gremio, but the 22-year-old still has some way to go if he's replacing the legendary Spaniard.

But if that wasn't enough, Paulinho returned to China and Guangzhou Evergrande in a surprise move.

Paulinho had only joined one year previous and while he arrival was met with derision, he eventually proved himself to be an important figure in the Barcelona team as they won the double.

His immediate replacement is Arturo Vidal, brought in for around €19m from Bayern Munich.

But the Chilean is now 31 years old and combined with 30-year-olds Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets, Barca are still on the lookout for the long-term star of their midfield.

And not only do they think they've found him, they think they've got three.

Sport reports that Barcelona have laid the groundwork for the signings of Adrien Rabiot, Frenkie De Jong, and Paul Pogba.

De Jong is perhaps the simplest - Barca feel that their relationship with Ajax, and understanding of a non-aggression pact over the player, means that they'll be free to sign him in a years time.

De Jong apparently will only consider a move to Catalonia and Barca are happy to wait.

Rabiot is a little more complicated as the Frenchman's contract is up in a year. Paris Saint-Germain want him to renew but he won't, leaving them to decide on deadline day whether to cash in or risk losing him for free - either way, it seems to be win-win for Barcelona.

The trickiest is, of course, Paul Pogba. The World Cup winner wants the move and Sport alleges that he's tried to force one through, only for Manchester United to resist any overtures from Barca.

A January transfer is mentioned as a possibility as Barca believe they've properly laid the foundation for a move in similar to style to Philippe Coutinho a year ago.

And so Barcelona apparently hope to seal deals for two of the three, depending on the situation. If Arthur and Vidal can get them through to the next window adequately enough, exciting times look to be on the horizon.