Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans agree Dani Olmo deal, Arsenal eyeing Brazilian ace, and more - August 7, 2024
Barcelona are closing in on their first signing of the summer. The Catalans appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants have agreed a deal with RB Leipzig for the services of Dani Olmo. Elsewhere, Arsenal have set their sights on a Brazilian forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer news from August 7, 2024.
Barcelona agree Dani Olmo deal, says Fabrizio Romano
Barcelona have reached an agreement to take Dani Olmo to Camp Nou this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Catalans have been hot on the heels of their former player all summer.
Olmo rose through the ranks at Camp Nou but left before he could break into the first team. After earning his senior debut with Dinamo Zagreb, the Spaniard moved to RB Leipzig in 2020 and has been a revelation for the Bundesliga side.
Last season, Olmo struggled with injuries but still managed eight goals and five assists from 25 games. He went on to play a starring role in La Roja's Euro 2024 triumph. The player's efforts convinced the La Liga giants, who have gone all-out to secure his services.
Barcelona's opening offer for the 26-year-old was knocked back by Leipzig. However, their counteroffer has managed to do the trick. The Catalans have reached a verbal agreement for a move and will pay €55m upfront plus €7m in various add-ons.
Olmo has already agreed to a six-year deal with the Spanish giants that will keep him at the Camp Nou until 2030. The player was wanted by multiple clubs, but his desire to return to Barcelona was crucial to the completion of the move.
Arsenal eyeing Raphinha
Arsenal are preparing to move for Raphinha this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Lamine Yamal's explosive start to life at Barcelona pushed the Brazilian down the pecking order last season.
Raphinha still registered 10 goals and 13 assists from 37 games across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign. While the Catalans would prefer for him to stay and help maintain squad depth, they are open to his exit to address their finances.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and previously attempted to sign him without success. They are now ready to offer £42m for his services this summer, but will face competition from Newcastle United.
Raphinha is also wanted in the Middle East this year, but would prefer to stay in Europe. He already has the experience of operating in the Premier League with Leeds United and could be open to a return.
Robert Lewandowski gearing up for the new campaign
Robert Lewandowski insists he is hungry for success with Barcelona. The Polish striker wasn't in his element last season, but still managed 26 goals and nine assists from 49 games across competitions.
With Hansi Flick taking charge at Camp Nou this summer, Lewandowski is expected to regain top form. The 35-year-old enjoyed tremendous success under the German manager at Bayern Munich. Flick sees the Pole as a pivotal part of his plans in the upcoming campaign.
Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski insisted that he isn't planning on slowing down anytime soon.
“I’m still hungry to win more and score more goals. If you hear your name called because you’ve scored a goal, these are things that are sometimes difficult to put into words, but that’s a moment that puts you in a different world. I don’t want to forget that feeling, and I want to enjoy that sensation for as long as possible in my life,” said Lewandowski.
The veteran striker is under contract at Camp Nou until 2026.