Barcelona Transfer News: Major Deals Targeted by Luis Enrique, Latest Rumours

Barcelona presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu has expressed his admiration for Arda Turan, who is reportedly a target for the Blaugrana.

According to Joe Wright of Goal, Bartomeu told Esport3: 

"

He's a very good player, has real quality and perfectly marries what Luis Enrique wants for next season. As such, as a candidate, I encourage the board to sign the player. In this way, next season, we'll have a team that will be very competitive and primed to win all possible titles.

"

Turan sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he admitted Andres Iniesta is his footballing idol and that he watches Barcelona on TV.

As relayed by Wright, he said: "My idols? Emre Belozoglu, when he played at Galatasaray, but now it's Iniesta. He's from my era, but that doesn't matter. I have a lot of admiration for him. When I don't have important things to do, and Barca are playing, I watch them on TV."

The Turkey international clarified on Twitter that he was not currently speaking to any clubs ahead of a move, however:

Goal's Wright provides the translation: "Some reports that have appeared in the press are incorrect. I'm just on holiday and resting."

The 28-year-old is understandably being courted by a number of top European clubs after enjoying an excellent spell with Atletico Madrid.

Turan scored three goals and made six assists last season despite largely featuring in a less favoured position—the right wing.

As Bleacher Report's own Andy Brassell notes, Turan's combination of excellent technique and outstanding work rate make him a highly important player for Los Rojiblancos:

As Liam Corless of the Mirror reports, Barca are likely to face stiff competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for the star's services.

Though a move to the Premier League is undoubtedly an attractive proposition, Barcelona's pulling power is almost unrivalled, so it's impossible to rule out a move to Camp Nou. 

Whichever team secures Turan's services will have pulled off an incredible coup and added a fantastic talent to their squad.

Pedro Set to Leave Barcelona?

According to the Telegraph, Arsenal have entered negotiations to sign Barca forward Pedro Rodriguez.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Despite the 27-year-old signing a new Barcelona contract in June, rumours continue to swirl around the Spaniard, who is firmly behind Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in the pecking order.

Luis Rojo of Marca reports Pedro is still keen to leave Barcelona for regular football but a move this summer is unlikely because he recently signed a new contract and Barca's transfer embargo.

Pedro is a classy player who would likely thrive in Arsenal's side thanks to his excellent technique and intelligent running.

Further, the forward still notched 11 goals and nine assists last season despite his limited playing time, demonstrating the incisive play he could bring to Arsenal's side.

However, it seems as though Pedro will remain at Camp Nou for the time being.

Unless one Barca's star trio faces injury or suspension next season, the forward is likely to be restricted to the bench once again and will be even more desperate for a move come January.

Expect Pedro to move next year when Enrique is free to recruit once more.