Barcelona transfer round-up: Messi, Iniesta sign new contracts, Coutinho plan dropped and more

Thomas Lemar had been heavily linked with Arsenal

Barcelona move in for Lemar

Barcelona have dropped their interest in Philippe Coutinho and have made a move for AS Monaco's Thomas Lemar, according to reports from Don Balon.

Barca chased Coutinho right until the last minute of this summer's transfer deadline day, however, Liverpool refused to sell the Brazilian at any cost.

Earlier in the week, ESPN reported a story that the La Liga club have asked Coutinho to snub Champions League for Liverpool as they will make a January move for him.

However, Don Balon claims, Barca are now focused on Lemar who is certain to leave in the winter transfer window.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also tracking Lemar, however, Barcelona believe that they already have a deal in place for the French winger, who will cost the Catalan club in the region of £93million.

Messi and Iniesta have agreed new contracts

The duo have spent over a decade together at Camp Nou

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has all but confirmed that both Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta have agreed new contracts with the club despite the club not making a public announcement.

Bartomeu was in great spirit following Barcelona's 3-0 win over Juventus last night where he commented on Messi's immediate future with the club.

Barca President said: “Messi? He has a four-year contract. He’s the best ever and played for us since he was small and we enjoy watching him play because he’s unique,”

“[Iniesta] has extraordinary quality. He was here when Ronaldinho was and now he’s with Messi. He’s crucial for us, he had a great game."

Messi was linked with a £275million summer move to Manchester City while Iniesta looked certain to sign for Juventus next season. However, with these two now certain to stay at Camp Nou, we can expect the Catalan club to spend big in January and next summer's transfer window.

Jean Seri to sign in January

Seri was linked with a move to Barcelona this summer

Barcelona already have a deal in place to sign the OGC Nice midfielder Jean Seri after missing out on the player earlier in the season, reports Sport.

Seri was expected to complete his move to Camp Nou in the summer, however, Barcelona's obsession with Philippe Coutinho led to the failure in Seri's transfer.

However, Barcelona will go back for the 26-year-old box to box midfielder who was also linked with several Premier League giants.

According to reports, Barcelona are planning a £150million transfer spree in January after a remarkable start to the season where they lead Real Madrid by 5 points in La Liga race and managed to beat Juventus 3-0 in their opening game in Champions League.

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