With the arrival of João Cancelo now finalised, Deco and the club's sporting department are focused on two remaining priorities: a marquee striker signing after Julián Álvarez was ruled out by Atlético Madrid's refusal to negotiate, and additional cover in central defence.
Hansi Flick currently has three recognised centre-backs at his disposal, though academy graduate Álvaro Cortés and the versatile Jules Koundé and Eric García, whom Flick views as a full-back option, could also be called upon there.
The German has nonetheless asked the sporting department for further options in the position. Athletic Club's Aymeric Laporte remains top of that list, according to Sport, with the club viewing the 32-year-old World Cup winner as the ideal partner for Pau Cubarsí, a pairing already tested at international level over the summer.
Prising him away from San Mamés is understood to be highly unlikely, however, leaving Deco weighing alternatives, including a loan of an experienced defender as a stopgap for the season or a younger talent should the right opportunity arise.
Up front, Barcelona have made Lautaro Martínez their leading target after Atlético's refusal to sanction a sale of Álvarez, whom the club had pursued for much of the summer. The Argentina international, who scored 17 goals and added six assists in 30 Serie A appearances last season, would represent a costly deal given his contract runs to 2029, with Inter Milan having set an asking price in the region of €120 million following his involvement at the World Cup.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has publicly ruled out any sale, telling DAZN before his side's season opener against Monza that there are "no circumstances" for his captain to leave, while coach Cristian Chivu offered a similarly firm response when pressed on the speculation.
Despite those public denials, Barcelona are understood to have opened informal contact with Martínez's camp to gauge his willingness to move, with initial impressions described as favourable should suitable terms be reached.
The Catalan club are also said to be holding back-up options in case a deal for the Inter captain cannot be completed, without those alternatives yet being confirmed. Barcelona's business elsewhere this summer has been extensive, with more than 20 deals in and out of the club already completed between Deco, Xevi Pujol and Marc Vivés as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the window's close.