Messi wants Griezmann at Camp Nou
Lionel Messi and his Barcelona teammates want the club to sign Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann this summer. A report from Diario Gol claims Messi is not happy with the squad and wants a world class forward in the team.
Last summer’s signing, Paco Alcacer, has failed to make an impact this season and Messi wants him sold this summer. Barcelona will face stiff competition from Manchester United for Griezmann’s signature.
The Daily Express claims a deal is already in place between Manchester United and Atletico Madrid for Griezmann’s move to Old Trafford as Wayne Rooney’s long-term replacement.
Xavi names three players Barca should sign
Midfielder maestro Xavi Hernandez has named three players Barcelona should sign in the summer, including his former team-mate Dani Alves. The Brazilian was controversially allowed to leave on a free transfer to Juventus last season and the Catalans have struggled to replace him this season.
The other two players Xavi wants to see play for Barcelona next season are Paulo Dybala and Marco Verratti. Xavi, who now plays in Qatar for Al Sadd believes that Barcelona need to overhaul their squad this summer and make three signings in particular.
Speaking with Globoesporte, Xavi said: “Obviously I'd get Dani Alves back. [Dybala] is the most talented Juventus player. I think he is the most talented footballer currently. Verratti would be ideal for Barca. He has the conditions to play in Barcelona without any doubt. And I think it is very similar to the conditions I have as a player.”
Latest update on Deulofeu and Mascherano
Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez told TV3 that the club are in talks to activate the €12m buyback clause for the winger Gerard Deulofeu. The Spaniard has been in superb form this season for AC Milan and has been tipped to make a return to Camp Nou next season.
On being asked about the possible transfer, Fernandez said: “Deulofeu? Yes, he's absolutely an option for the future. Definitely.” Marca have reported that Denis Suarez is likely to be sold this summer and will be replaced by Deulofeu.
On the other hand, Javier Mascherano could be on his way out of Barcelona after Galatasaray have offered the Argentine defender a two-year contract, as per the reports from Ozgur Sancar. Barca are looking at a massive squad overhaul this summer with Mascherano, Denis Suarez, Serge Roberto, Arda Turan and Andre Gomes all likely to get sold.
Arsenal confident of signing Turan
Arsenal’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has received a timely boost after Sport revealed La Liga side’s decision to sell the Turkish midfielder. Despite making 31 appearances for club and country this season, Turan has not played for Barcelona in over a month.
According to Sport, Arsenal are preparing a €25million bid for Turan and are the only side chasing the 30-year-old midfielder. The Gunners are looking to sign at least three new players this summer with the possibility of losing Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal are also linked with a move for Sead Kolasinac, Noah Bazee and Alvaro Morata this summer to strengthen their squad and perhaps make one final push for the Premier League glory under the leadership of Arsene Wenger.
