Our obvious weakness is CM/CML position. We had Gundogan. Pep plays there usually Kovacic, sometimes Bernardo. If Pep plays his beloved Bernardo only from time to time on a position, it means its not his best position. Kovacic has been good. But he wont improve his offensive output. He is great carrying the ball up the pitch, but in comparison to the best level lacks a bit of vision and execution of through balls.
Gundogan esque transfer would improve us. But I struggle for any obvious choices, especially realistic ones. Return of Ilkay wont happen. De Jong wont happen + at this point its a bit suspicious he has not set the world on fire in Barcelona. Barella extended his contract with Inter. Musiala is great but he would be rather a KDB replacement.
Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham, Pedri, Gavi out of the picture. One area we cannot challenge Real or Barcelona as of yet is their pull on players.
Not convinced with Ruben Neves, Lobotka or Bruno Guimares (hes rather 6 though, aint he).
I like Merino or Parejo, but seen very little of them.
Conclusion: i do not know WHO ffs!