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La Liga is currently on their winter break, but the football news and rumour stories from Spain is what is going to keep us excited for the next week or so! In today's La Liga news and transfer roundup, we look at some exciting stories, including Lionel Messi's reply to Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal closing in on a Sevilla player, while Real Madrid lining up a replacement for Marcelo.
Let's take a look at today's La Liga news and transfer roundup.
#1 Lionel Messi speaks about Ronaldo asking him to join him in Italy
Most football fans believe that Lionel Messi, who has been the most influential player in the footballing world for the past decade or so, will remain at Barcelona for the entirety of his playing career, possibly retiring at the club.
But, when Cristiano Ronaldo - who moved to Juventus from Real Madrid this summer, challenged his longtime rival to move to the Serie A, many fans wondered if the Argentinian would take up Ronaldo's challenge.
But it looks like Messi isn't interested in moving away from Barcelona and La Liga anytime soon. Speaking to Marca, Messi had this to say: "Accepting Ronaldo's challenge to join Italian football? I don't need any change. I'm at the best team in the world. My challenges are renewed year after year. I do not need to change teams or leagues to set new goals. I am at home and I do not need to change."
Messi also spoke about his rivalry with Ronaldo when the Portuguese ace was at Real Madrid, describing it as "very healthy and good for the fans".
#2 Marcos Llorente to stay at Real Madrid
Real Madrid youngster Marcos Llorente, whose future at the club has looked uncertain, has dismissed talks of wanting to leave the club anytime soon. The 23-year-old midfielder was linked with a move away from Madrid this season, with clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool keen on signing him.
While speaking to the press this past week, Llorente said that he didn't want to leave the club and that his situation at the club can change. “I’m sure I will stay, I’m really happy and I have no intention of leaving. It’s true that in life, like football, the situation can change from night to morning and you cannot lower your aims, you have to take advantage of your opportunities," said Llorente.
#3 Real Madrid to trigger left-back's release clause
Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Marcelo, has been a mainstay in the Spanish club for over a decade, winning numerous trophies and making the left-back spot his own.
But at 31 years of age, the Brazilian isn't getting any younger, and recent reports of his interest in moving to Italy to join former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus have surfaced.
Now, AS are reporting that Madrid could be in the market for a new left-back, and Real Betis' Junior Firpo is the man Real Madrid have shortlisted. The 22-year-old has had a good season for the Spanish club and the report states that Madrid may trigger his release clause which stands at €50 million, in the summer transfer window.
Marcelo's backup at Real Madrid currently is 22-year-old Sergio Reguilón, who has featured 6 times in all competitions this season.
#4 Arsenal almost complete signing of Sevilla player
We reported in a recent La Liga roundup that Arsenal boss Unai Emery is keen on reuniting with his former Sevilla and Valencia player Ever Banega, and now reports have emerged that the Gunners are close to sealing a deal for the Argentine international.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who rejoined Sevilla in 2017 after a year-long spell at Inter Milan, is set to move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, as per Daily Star. Banega's contract with Spanish club ends in 2020.
The Argentinian will be a like-for-like replacement for the departing Aaron Ramsey, who is out of contract in the summer, and has been linked with clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
Banega is an experienced playmaker who will fit seamlessly in Emery's style of play at Arsenal.
#5 Barcelona to sign PSG star in January
Barcelona have already made one signing in the January transfer window - albeit a loan signing - Jeison Murillo, who arrives at the club on loan from Valencia. The Catalans have also been linked with a move for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with many reports suggesting that a deal is in place for him to arrive soon.
One player who has been linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer is PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract in the summer. Reports have now emerged that the La Liga champions could sign the French midfielder in January, for a price of just €5 million, as per AS.
The report suggests that Barcelona want their Technical Secretary and former player Eric Abidal, to complete the signing of his French compatriot in the winter transfer window. Rabiot hasn't featured much for PSG this season.
