Barcelona transfer news round-up: Messi's new deal confirmed, Mbappe's plan dropped and more
Messi’s wife drops major hint on new deal
Lionel Messi looks set to sign the new deal with Barcelona after his wife’s recent plans of starting a new line of business in the Catalan city. The report has been confirmed by the Spanish journal Don Balon, who claim Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo will team up with Luis Suarez’s partner Sofia Baldi to open a new shoe store in Barcelona.
There have been plenty of speculations about Messi’s willingness to join Premier League next season and reject the new deal offered to him by Barcelona. However, with Antonella eager to stay in Spain, we may see the Argentine superstar put pen to the much talked-about contract saga.
Also Read: Reports: Lionel Messi trains alone in aftermath of Juventus defeat due to rift with Luis Enrique
Barcelona drop their plans for Mbappe
Barcelona have put their plans of signing AS Monaco star Kylian Mbappe on hold for now as they first want to understand Neymar’s stance on his future at Camp Nou.
The Sun understands Neymar wants to step out of Lionel Messi’s shadows while Marca claims that Neymar wants to fight for the top honours season after season and sees Barcelona as the ideal club in that regard.
Neymar has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United, however, the Brazilian is waiting for their Champions League qualification and is keeping Barcelona in the dark over his future. However, Catalan side are expected to launch a €100m bid for Mbappe if Neymar decides to quit Camp Nou with Monaco’s sensation likely to accept the transfer move.
Advance talks held for Coutinho
According to the latest reports from Sport, Barcelona have already held talk initial talks for signing Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer. The report claims that Barca are ready to offer close to £70m for Coutinho and are eager to close the deal soon after the transfer window opens.
As per the report, Barcelona are determined to keep hold of Neymar and want to unite him with his best mate Coutinho at Camo Nou. Neymar has been known to advocate Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona and the Catalan side are ready to make that happen this summer.
Though Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has laughed off the rumours in the past, if Barcelona come knocking on the door with a £70m offer, Klopp will have very little say in whether to keep hold of Coutinho or cash-in on the 24-year-old star.
Mascherano edging closer to an exit
Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan could both be sold by Barcelona this summer as part of a clear out at the Camp Nou, according to reports from Sport.
A source closer to the club has been quoted saying: "The opinion in the sporting structure headed by Robert Fernandez is that various footballers, for one reason or another, have given all they can at the club and are at the moment [when] it is time to take the bull by the horns and open the door for them to leave Barcelona.”
Although these exits will have to be sanctioned by the incoming manager in the summer but Mascherano and Turan are likely to be sold in the summer. Other plays leading the hitlist are midfielder Denis Suarez and defender Jeremy Mathieu.