Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Marco Verratti Exit Talk, Juan Cuadrado Rumours

An Italian newspaper reported comments from Marco Verratti discussing a potential transfer to Barcelona, but the Paris Saint-Germain player has reportedly denied making the comments.

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express), Verratti had said he wants to see if PSG can build a great team before deciding whether to leave, but the Italian suggested the quote was false. 

Verratti was reported as saying:

"I do not have to go at all costs. I want to see if this time PSG can really make a great team. In that event, I will be happy to stay. Every year they say they will put together a great team, but then we saw the results. The promises are not enough. If this time, [Antero] Henrique maintains what he says, then I will be happy to stay. Nobody is forcing me to leave."

However, ESPN's Barcelona correspondent Samuel Marsden was sent an image from Verratti's Snapchat account that appeared to be denying he made the quotes:

Alessandro Grandesso of La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC) moved quickly to say the quote was genuine:

Verratti has been consistently linked with a move to the Catalans, with former Barca star Patrick Kluivert saying the midfielder is willing to move to move to the Blaugrana.

According to laSexta (h/t Sport), Kluivert said: "I know the PSG president very well, and I also know that Verratti wants to go to Barcelona, but PSG will not let him leave. He renewed his contract last year and it will be very difficult [for Barca to sign him]."

In other Barca news, the club are chasing Juventus talent Juan Cuadrado as an alternative to Arsenal's Hector Bellerin.

Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

Per Ben Hayward of Goal, the Camp Nou giants have refused to pay in excess of €50 million for the Gunners star and could now turn to the Colombian international. Cuadrado's price would be around €30 million, making him a more affordable option.

Barca need to upgrade their squad this summer after a season of disappointment. 

Ernesto Valverde will succeed Luis Enrique as coach for Barcelona, and he will need backing in the transfer market to make success viable.