Barcelona transfer news and rumours: Blaugrana in talks to sign Benfica striker Jonas
Barcelona are desperately in need of a back-up forward to deputise for their star trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and latest reports suggest that they are considering a move for Benfica’s Brazilian striker Jonas.
Jonas was in stunning form for Benfica last season having scored an incredible 32 goals in 34 outings to help Benfica win the Portuguese Primeira Liga title and his incredible performances have caught Luis Enrique’s attention. Barcelona have also been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto as they step up their search for a forward.
"Someone dealing on behalf of Barcelona approached us at the end of last season," Jonas' representative Tiago Goncalves told Globoesporte.
We were obviously quite flattered, because it was recognition that Jonas had a spectacular season.
"When a club are interested in signing someone, they have to act quickly because negotiations take time to reach their conclusion. A transfer could be difficult because there has not been any contact since the initial approach.
"I want to make it clear that Jonas is very happy at Benfica and feels beloved here. Barcelona's approach is a reward for what he did at Benfica. But a transfer would only be an option if both Benfica and Jonas are happy with it."
Barcelona have struggled to sign forwards with their technical director Roberto Fernandez stating that players were hesitant to sign because of the famed trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
“We have such a good team that it's difficult to sign players, we have a top team with a brilliant dressing room,have,” said Fernandez. He added to his claim, saying, “Everything is calibrated, but there are certain signings you can't even begin to broach; There are players who don't want to come to Barcelona."
Jonas has a contract with Benfica until June 2018, but a move to Barcelona will be hard to resist for the 32-year-old Brazilian striker.
Luis Suarez praises new signing Andre Gomes
The Uruguay international spoke about new arrival Andre Gomes:
"Andre Gomes will help us a lot and brings a lot to the team," he added.
"He was one of Valencia's most eye-catching players. We are very happy to have a player like him in our team."
Barcelona are really building a formidable team and Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and the other Spanish teams will have to really make some shrewd signings if they are to challenge the Blaugrana next season.