Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Andreas Christensen, Kostas Manolas

Barcelona are reportedly preparing a shock £20 million move for Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, while Arsenal are ready to rival the Blaugrana for AS Roma's Kostas Manolas.

Christensen has been on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach since the start of last season and has greatly impressed in the Bundesliga, sparking questions regarding his long-term future.

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The Dane stood out in the 2-1 loss against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, and according to the Sun's Alan Nixon, the Catalans were so impressed they're now ready to try to bring him to the Camp Nou.

Per Nixon, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does not want to lose the 20-year-old, but he can also not offer him regular playing time, as he wants to add more experienced centre-back options. The player himself has already hinted at a permanent move to Monchengladbach:

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I have not decided yet. I'm not going to do it at the moment. When it comes to me, I'll decide next summer.

For me, both things are possible (staying or leaving). I don't want to be distracted, and I can't decide alone. The question is if the clubs can agree a fee.

"

The Blaugrana brought in Samuel Umtiti from Lyon during the summer, and the Frenchman has held his own in limited minutes. The duo of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano remains manager Luis Enrique's preferred partnership, however, and depth is limited behind those three.

Christensen would be another long-term investment that could pay big dividends in the future―the Catalans' vaunted youth system regularly produces top talent, but centre-back is a position where few promising youngsters have emerged during the last few years.

Here's a look at what Christensen can do:

While the Blaugrana could very well be interested in Christensen, the Denmark international is unlikely to move to Spain anytime soon. He already has options with Chelsea and Monchengladbach, and playing time will be the decisive factor in his decision.

Regular minutes would be even harder to come by at the Camp Nou than at Stamford Bridge, and given the Blues' defensive struggles, Conte is expected to open up the competition and give Christensen a fair chance if he does return.

The reported £20 million fee would be incredibly low for a talented defender with massive potential like Christensen, and it will take a lot more to convince Chelsea to give up on one of their best prospects.

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Another defender linked with Barcelona is Greece international Manolas, who was linked with a Premier League move throughout summer. Per Sport (h/t Daily Star's James Benson), the Blaugrana tried to open negotiations for the 25-year-old while talks regarding Thomas Vermaelen took place, but Manolas' price tag was too steep at the time.

The Giallorossi no longer have to hand 50 percent of his transfer fee to former club Olympiakos, however, as that clause has now expired. Arsenal are still lurking, as manager Arsene Wenger sees Manolas as a potential replacement for Per Mertesacker.

Here's a look at Manolas' highlights:

While Christensen is more of a ball-playing defender who would appear a perfect fit for Barcelona's possession-based playing style, Manolas is at his best when he gets to play off the ball and use his power and raw athleticism to make plays.

Roma could be open to a sale once star defender Antonio Rudiger returns from injury, pairing the German with Vermaelen in the heart of their defence. Federico Fazio has been a pleasant surprise for the Giallorossi, and Juan Jesus can also help out in the centre.