Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Robin Van Persie and Top Blaugrana Rumours

Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie's chances of a shock January transfer to Barcelona have increased after the Dutch press added weight to recent rumours. 

Netherlands football writer Elko Born said newspaper Algemeen Dagblad has reported RvP is a confirmed target for Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique:

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Van Persie regrettably headed into his own net for his country as their Euro 2016 ambitions went up in smoke in Amsterdam on Oct. 13, but the striker responded by adding to his goal tally at the correct end of the pitch. 

RvP currently plies his trade at Fenerbahce in the Turkish league after being sold by United coach and Dutch ally, Louis van Gaal. However, he might now find a way back to the top of the game with a surprise opportunity at the Camp Nou.

Van Persie has continued to find the net for club and country, scoring three goals in as many Super Lig starts for the Yellow Canaries, according to WhoScored.com. 

Bleacher Report UK highlighted a great achievement for the player as he grabbed a notable record for his country:

Van Persie is no longer at the height of his powers, which saw him become the most revered striker in the Premier League. 

However, a poll by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo indicated its readership would like to see RvP in a Barcelona shirt, per BarcaStuff:

"

Poll: "Would you sign Van Persie for Barcelona?" Yes 73% - No 27% #fcblive (3512 votes) [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 16, 2015"

Van Persie would give Enrique an experienced hand from the bench, especially if Luis Suarez was to pick up an injury or suspension after Christmas.

The budget at the Camp Nou has been stretched to the limit, with club supremo Josep Maria Bartomeu finding it difficult to release funds for new talent, as reported by Luis F. Rojo of Marca.

As a result, Van Persie would be a good stopgap for the club, as they look to restructure and revamp their squad options. 

Despite Barca's illustrious attacking lineup, they have been severely weakened by the injury to Lionel Messi, exposing the depth of their squad after Pedro's exit to Chelsea at the start of the campaign.

Laporte Set For Camp Nou Switch

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Barcelona have beaten Manchester United to the punch by agreeing to sign talented 21-year-old defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao.

John Cross of the Mirror said the French player will arrive at Barca in the summer for a fee of £35 million as they prepare to strengthen after their recent player registration ban. 

The defender has been a consistent performer for his club, despite his tender age, and he is destined for the top of the game.

Football writer Sergi Dominguez recently backed the capture of Laporte, urging Barcelona to also purchase Everton's John Stones for a new-look defence:

A move for Laporte, with the potential of Stones, would be a positive step in the right direction for the Blaugrana as Enrique looks to reshape his squad for future campaigns. 

But with the team's form currently unstable, the addition of Van Persie would help them get through to the summer transfer window, and maintain the manager's tenure.

Expectations are always high at Barcelona, but after the treble success of last year, a huge slip in standings will not be accepted by the board of directors or fanbase.