Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu won't rule out buying big this week as they face down a FIFA transfer ban.
Barca are appealing against a ban for the next two transfer windows due to the signing of junior players.
"We were aware that FIFA would ratify its sanction," Bartomeu admitted. "In the past we have committed certain irregularities but always respecting the spirit of the regulation. And we knew that we'd end up going to the CAS, and now that time has come.
He added that Barça had planned for the season "in the knowledge that we might not be able to make signings in the next two transfer windows [winter and summer] and that at the same time there was a pressing need to renew the squad. It was highly unlikely that the tribunal would not ratify a sanction that had already been imposed.
"It was only to be expected But the penalty is too big.
"There are still a few days to go and we'll be eyeing the market.
"Let's see what happens over the next few days."
