Barcelona Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of March 10
Barcelona produced another dismal away performance at Real Valladolidย at the weekend,ย which followed on from an equally poor showing at Real Sociedadย and a lacklustre win over Almeria.
It's shown beyond any doubt that this Barca side needs freshening up with some new blood.
However, Tata Martino and his troops will have to ride out the remainder of the season before a full evaluation process can begin.
The Champions League return against Manchester City on Wednesday could be a defining moment in Barca's season.
Whilst no team has ever turned around a 0-2 deficit when playing the second leg away from home, Barca's woes in defence will give Manuel Pellegrini hope of a comeback that seemed impossible three weeks ago.
Let's take a look at the transfer rumours circulating this week, and remember to keep checking back throughout the week for updates.
โLast update: Friday March 14โย
Radamel Falcao
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In one of the most sensational summer transfer storylines to emerge, Le10Sport (French), h/t GiveMe Sport, have noted that Barca are putting themselves in pole position to sign Radamel Falcao.
According to FIFA agent Francois Gallardo, talking to the French paper:
"Barรงa would have Falcao . I think if a player transfers, very important, this could be a big blow. Everyone knows it.
This is something that will be difficult but not impossible. He will be bought with money from the sale of Lionel Messi.
"
The suggestion is that either Paris Saint Germain or Manchester City will trigger Messi's release clause with an astonishing โฌ250 million bid, and the Argentine will leave, paving the way for Falcao's capture from AS Monaco.
Marc Bartra
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In some news to delight Barcelona fans ahead of El Clasico, central defender Marc Bartra will sign an extension to his current contract.
According to Talksport, Barca have confirmed that the youngster will put pen to paper on the new deal on Tuesday, which will see him tied to the club until 2017.
Victor Valdes
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It's been well known for some time now that Victor Valdes is leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
AS Monaco were always thought to be hot favourites for his signature, but it appears the Premier League will be his next destination.
According to Barry Glendenning of The Guardian, Liverpool will replace the "occasionally flappy" Simon Mignolet with Valdes.
Alex Song
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Barcelona's Alex Song has issued a come-and-get-me plea to England's Premier League clubs.
Song told beIN Sport, h/t Alex Richards Daily Mirror:
"If I leave Barcelona it will be to return to the Premier League.ย I will return to England one day, that's for sure."
With only 26 starts over the last two years, clearly a summer move would suit all parties.
Mats Hummels
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Whilst Jurgen Klopp certainly wouldn't approve of another of his stars leaving Borussia Dortmund, it appears Mats Hummels has set his heart on a move to Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, h/t Talksport, Hummels has "dreams" of playing for the Catalans and will turn down overtures from Manchester United amongst overs to secure the move.
Despite still having three years left on his contract, it's understood that Hummels may consider his future in the summer.
Oscar
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Chelsea's magnificent Brazilian could be on his way to Camp Nou in the summer.
According to Jason Burt of the Telegraph, Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a bid for the player, but they will face stiff competition from the Blaugrana.
With Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes already confirmed departures, it promises to be a big spending summer in Catalonia.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu will no doubt look to re-energise a squad so that they are once again capable of challenging on all fronts.
Lionel Messi
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The rumours surrounding Lionel Messi's departure from Camp Nou just won't go away.
Spanish daily El Confidencialย (h/t David Lynch of Manchester Evening News) have noted that Manchester City will meet Messi's buyout clause of โฌ200 million in the summer.
By so doing, Barca are left with no option but to allow the Argentine to speak with City representatives.
Conducting face-to-face negotiations may give the English club an edge in persuading the player to take on a new challenge.ย
Dani Alves
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Soon to enter the final year of his contract, Dani Alves has been made available for sale by Barcelona.
According to Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express, both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal have been alerted to his availability, but they could be put off by his wage demands.
Barca are aware that this could be their final chance to command a sizeable fee for the right-back and would be keen to do a deal.ย
