Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Ilkay Gundogan and Dani Alves Rumours

A summer transfer ban isn't stopping Barcelona from looking to add to their treble-winning side, as Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly being lined up as Xavi's replacement, according to the latest rumours concerning the club.

Sport's Javier Miguel claims the Catalans will make the Germany international their second signing of the summer, as Sevilla's Aleix Vidal has reportedly already signed:

According to Miguel, Barcelona's medical staff has already visited Germany twice to check on Gundogan's fitness, as the player has been hampered by a back injuries in recent years.

Presidential elections are on the horizon, and current president Josep Maria Bartomeu appears desperate to push through as many signings as possible while he still can. Barcelona's transfer ban means players can't be registered―and therefore play―until January, but the club could hypothetically loan them back to their previous sides or simply have them train until the ban is lifted.

Former Dortmund star Karl-Heinz Riedle thinks Gundogan would be an excellent signing for the Blaugrana, as reported by Goal:

Like Xavi, the man he would replace should he move to Barcelona, Gundogan relies on his high footballing IQ and passing ability to thrive. The Barcelona skipper was a better passer with greater range during his prime, but in terms of positioning, both play a similar brand of football.

The key to this signing will be speed, according to Miguel, as club elections will take place on June 9, meaning the current board has to push the signing through before then.

Gundogan has one year left on his current deal with Borussia Dortmund. As of right now, there has been no confirmation the two teams have talked about a potential move.

Dani Alves Reveals Offer From Italy, Open to AC Milan Move

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Right-back Dani Alves was one of Barcelona's top performers during their 3-1 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final, but judging by his comments after the match, the Brazil international may have played his final match for the Blaugrana.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Goal's Peter Hanson), he revealed he had an offer from an Italian club and stated that he loves the idea of playing for AC Milan:

The 32-year-old has been a regular starter for the Catalans since 2008 and has played a pivotal role in many of the club's recent silverware-laden campaigns. He suffered a drop in form in 2013-14 but bounced back with an excellent season, and he's now set to hit the market as a free agent.

Alves has won everything there is to win with the Catalans, and after yet another Champions League triumph, it may be the perfect time to start a new challenge. According to journalist Sid Lowe, he truly has been piling on the silverware:

Unfortunately for Barcelona, the transfer ban once again rears its ugly head. The Catalans can't sign a direct replacement who would be eligible to start the season, and the current options are a far cry from Alves' quality.

Martin Montoya and Douglas are the two other right-backs in the squad at present, with the former hardly playing under manager Luis Enrique and the latter showing little to suggest he could be a regular starter since joining last summer.

Neither has the range that makes Alves such a dangerous weapon. The Brazilian has never been a world-class defender, but he more than makes up for any defensive shortcomings with his attacking output—just check out his heat map of the Champions League final, courtesy of Squawka:

One has to assume the Catalans will be desperate to keep Alves at the club until the transfer ban is lifted, but as a free agent, Alves will this summer have his pick of what should be a long list of interested clubs. Barcelona still appears to be the best fit for his talents, but these latest comments indicate he may prefer to start a new chapter in his career.

Milan have struggled in the past few years and could use a veteran to help their rebuild, and while they already have an excellent right-back in Ignazio Abate, there's little doubt Alves would start over the Italy international.

It should be an interesting summer at Camp Nou, and one has to assume re-signing Alves will be one of the top priorities for the club.

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