Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Ilkay Gundogan, Marc Bartra Rumours

New Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has worked his magic to convince Ilkay Gundogan to stay at the Westfalenstadion this summer, despite Barcelona's strong interest.

According to Kicker (h/t Sport), the German international will now stay put after holding discussions with the new boss. The piece claims that Tuchel sees Gundogan as a key fixture in this BVB side, who will be desperate to bounce back in 2015-16 after a disappointing Bundesliga season.

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German football expert Alex Chaffer thinks that the player’s salary demands may well be key to him staying at Dortmund for another season:

In truth, for a player who’s looking to recapture his very best form after a substantial injury layoff, staying in familiar surroundings is probably the best decision. And Dortmund, who are set to endure a summer of major transition following the departure of longstanding boss Jurgen Klopp, will be delighted to have kept Gundogan on board.

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It’s easy to see why Barcelona have been keen on the 24-year-old. Gundogan, technically outstanding and diligent in his work rate off the ball, would fit seamlessly into the heart of this Blaugrana side, and his ability to carry the ball forward through the lines would allow the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez more time and space to work their magic.

As we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, the German is a wonderful passer of the ball too:

But the deal seems unlikely at this juncture. It may prompt Barcelona into turning towards a few academy graduates to potentially fill the void left by Xavi Hernandez too, as noted by Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell:

Gundogan has a long way to go before he reaches the levels that made him one of the best midfield men on the planet during the 2012-13 season. The injury problems seem to have taken a lot out of him, and while he’ll have an ideal opportunity to rediscover some form next season, it’s doubtful he will ever scale those heights again.

With that in mind, not to mention the aforementioned stratospheric salary demands, perhaps this deal represents a bullet dodged for Barca.

Bartra Set For Barca Stay

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Marc Bartra is poised to stick around at the Camp Nou for another season, despite reports linking him to a €12 million move away from the club.

According to X. Hernandez of Marca, the defender has been considering his future after a campaign on the fringes of the first team. But his “deep-rooted sense of loyalty” to the Blaugrana will prompt him to stay and fight for a place in the first team.

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As noted here, courtesy of Squawka Football, when he did get a spot in the side last season, the La Masia graduate didn’t exactly set the world alight:

Indeed, while the piece mentions that Bartra becoming a father was key to his decision to stay, in purely footballing terms it’s a decision that makes little sense. Barcelona’s defensive quality was key to their success last season, and although the young Catalan is a talented player, it’s tough to see him ousting Gerard Pique or Javier Mascherano at the heart of the back four.

Now 24 years old, Bartra is no longer a player of potential. He’s fast approaching his peak years, and although the prospect of leaving the Blaugrana after being schooled by La Masia may be tough, he seems to be delaying what is surely a necessary step if he’s to eventually make good on his quality.