Barcelona transfer news: Iniesta talks about Coutinho, huge boost in Brazilian's pursuit and more - 14th December 2017
Andres Iniesta talks about Philippe Coutinho
The Barcelona veteran is very likely going to make way for Coutinho in the long-term. However, he put the team first, in an interview with Goal. The Liverpool no.10 is likely to push for a move once again in January although the chances of it happening are low as the Reds would prefer to sell in the summer.
Now, Iniesta spoke about possible January signings in Yerry Mina and Coutinho and told Goal:
"If the club wants to strengthen those positions, it should be with players that can be prepared to withstand the pressure of a club like this, and they would be two big signings."
Coutinho definitely is ready to withstand the pressure and Iniesta's vote of confidence only encourages the club to strongly pursue the Brazilian.
Barcelona get "green light" in Arthur pursuit
The Gremio midfielder played a key role in his club's Copa Libertadores victory recently and was reported to be on Barcelona and Chelsea's radar. However, a photo with the player in Barcelona jersey caused an uproar at the Brazilian club and the Blaugrana had to eventually apologise.
While the Catalan club were wondering whether they had lost their chance to sign the Brazilian, Gremio executive football director André Zanotta has revealed that the differences have been resolved and the player could be sold if a suitable offer comes in. Zanotta told Globo Esporte:
"There is nothing concrete yet but there have been a lot of speculations. Many times their desire is to follow their career in Europe and you have to respect that too. If you get a proposal that fits Grêmio and the footballer we will talk. We don't necessarily have to do it right now [in the January window]."
"They admitted that they made a mistake, they know it was something that can't do. But we do not have to create any kind of friction with Barcelona. They called us and they admitted the mistake."
"They are a giant club and it is always good to maintain [a good] relationship. Obviously, our conversation was super friendly, if they have an interest and want to step up the interest [towards securing a potential deal] they will come to us directly. We are open to talks. We are not selling the player but if we get a proposal that interests us, which is also good for the player, we will talk."
Thus, there is a very good chance that Arthur will be a Barcelona player in the coming year.
Daley Blind on Barcelona's radar
In a surprising move, Ernesto Valverde is looking to sign Daley Blind from Manchester United in January, as per Marca.The Dutchman is currently out of favour at Old Trafford, having fallen down the pecking order. Jose Mourinho currently favours Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling ahead of Blind in the heart of the defence while Ashley Young and Luke Shaw are ahead of the 27-year old in the left-back role.
On the other hand, Barcelona are relatively light in central defence with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen being the only options. Umtiti picked up a long-term injury recently while 33-year old Mascherano is likely to leave. Since signing a top defender is difficult in January, it makes sense from the Catalan's point of view to sign a good defender for now.
Blind's contract runs out in the summer and United will very likely be looking to sell him in January, instead of exercising their option to extend the contract by one more year, given their squad depth. Thus, this deal could prove to be a good one for all parties.