Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans unlikely to sign Liverpool ace, club receive Mikel Arteta boost, and more - May 18, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, May 19. Xavi's men arrive at the game buoyed by their 2-0 win over Almeria earlier this week in the league.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are unlikely to complete a move for a Liverpool forward this summer. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have received a boost in their efforts to secure the services of Mikel Arteta.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from May 18, 2024.
Barcelona unlikely to sign Liverpool ace, says David Ornstein
Barcelona are unlikely to sign Luis Diaz this summer, according to acclaimed journalist David Ornstein. The Liverpool forward remains heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou this year. The player's father has previously revealed the 27-year-old's desire to play for the Catalans, further adding to speculations. Xavi is expected to upgrade his attack ahead of the new campaign and Diaz can be a fantastic option.
However, in a Q&A with The Athletic, Ornstein pointed out that the La Liga giants cannot afford a move for the Colombian at the moment.
“I have no information on this reported interest in Diaz… I would be very surprised if they could afford the level of fee Liverpool would demand and meet the Colombian’s salary expectations. Liverpool are not looking to sell Diaz: he is 27, under contract until 2027 and a really important member of their squad,” said Ornstein.
Diaz has appeared 50 times across competitions this season, scoring 13 goals and setting up five more.
Catalans receive Mikel Arteta boost
Barcelona have received a boost in their efforts to sign Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager has transformed Arsenal into title contenders since taking charge at the Emirates in 2019. Arteta has slowly shaped the squad to his liking and now has an enviable ensemble at his disposal. His efforts have already earned him admirers at multiple clubs in Europe, including the Catalans.
The La Liga giants have been linked with Arteta for a while. Xavi has agreed to stay at Camp Nou until the summer of 2025, but recent reports have suggested that his position isn't secure. Arteta could be an option for Barcelona to consider if they seek a change. Interestingly, the Gunners manager's contract runs until 2025 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Speaking to the press, as cited by The Sun, Arteta admitted that he would like to eventually return to Spain.
“I have always thought that one day I will return. My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head. But I am happy here [at Arsenal], happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job. Someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life,” said Arteta.
Arteta has been outstanding at the Emirates so far and the north London side are likely to tie him down to a new deal soon.
Bayern Munich retain interest in Ronald Araujo
Bayern Munich remain eager to take Ronald Araujo to the Allianz Arena, according to journalist Sique Rodriguez. The Uruguayan defender has been a first-team regular for the Catalans this season, registering 36 appearances across competitions. The Bavarians are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and reportedly attempted to prise him away in winter.
The Bundesliga giants are coming off a disappointing season and want to upgrade their backline before the start of the new campaign. Araujo has been identified as an option and Bayern are ready to return for him this summer. The La Liga giants are looking at player sales to get their finances in order but would prefer to keep hold of the Uruguayan.
The Bavarians could test Barcelona's resolve with a bid of around €80m. Manchester United are also interested in the 25-year-old, who could ignite a bidding war for his services at the end of this season.