Barcelona Transfer News: Blaugrana Want Alessandro Florenzi, Top Rumours

Barcelona will battle Arsenal for the services of Alessandro Florenzi after manager Luis Enrique identified the Roma defender as a long-term replacement for Dani Alves.

TalkSPORT reported the treble winners would like to acquire the services of the Italy international, who has the ability to feature in several positions on the pitch. The radio station said the Blaugrana "are ready to firm up their interest with a bid," according to Spanish reports. 

The Stadio Olimpico youth product has been in exceptional form in Serie A, and he has impressed at international level for his country.

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The 24-year-old recently commented about the rumours linking him with Barcelona, per Il Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia): 

"

Barcelona's interest? You have to live day by day, without thinking about tomorrow.

I'm enjoying my splendid Roma, after that we'll see. Now I'm thinking about winning here but I'd be daft to claim I'm not flattered by Barca's interest. It means I'm doing well and I'm on the right track.

"

Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the prized utility man and are keeping a close watch on the player's situation, per the TalkSPORT article.

The interest is building in the talented defender, and his value has inflated significantly in recent months.

Florenzi has been nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award this term—which recognises the best goal of the year—for his long-range strike against Barca in the Champions League, as highlighted by BT Sport:

Dani Alves signed a new contract with Barca in the summer, after it appeared the Brazilian was on his way from the Camp Nou. The full-back penned a two-year deal, according to the Press Association (via the Guardian), and has an option for a further third year—saying he "followed his heart" in deciding to remain in Catalonia. 

However, he could have serious competition if Florenzi lands in Barcelona, but the Giallorossi will not want to lose one of their star talents. 

ESPN FC's Julian De Martinis highlighted Florenzi's high standing at the Serie A giants, with consistency showing his value this year:

"

If Alessandro Florenzi isn't the first name on the team sheet every week, fire Garcia.

— who-lian? (@JulianDM11) November 21, 2015"

The full-back, who can also play in central midfield, has appeared 12 times in Serie A this season, scoring twice and providing two assists, per WhoScored.com.

Florenzi would not look out of place in Enrique's squad, and he has the engine to be a regular in Barca's starting line-up. 

However, the money on offer in the Premier League could turn the Italian's head towards north London, as Arsenal and Spurs look to tempt the defender to their squads. 

Ronaldinho Says Neymar Would Succeed In England

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Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has said he thinks Neymar would prevail if the striker found his way to the Premier League in the future. 

The icon's comments come off the back of Neymar's father admitting his son could be forced to leave Barca for tax reasons, per Cadena SER (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star). 

Ronaldinho addressed the possibility of Neymar joining an English club after declaring him the best player on the planet, as quoted by the Mirror's David McDonnell:

"

Neymar, currently on form, is the best player in the world.

[...]

He could and would succeed at any league in the world. Of course, there are always transition periods. But when you have that much ability you will succeed in any league in any country.

England is not an easy league to succeed in, but yes of course he would be a success there.

I can’t see why Barcelona would want to allow him to leave, but if he was to, I’m sure that it would have to be for a record fee.

"

McDonnell reports the player's current release clause is set at £140 million, and Manchester United stand by to trigger the buyout if Neymar becomes available. 

The Brazil player has been superb in Lionel Messi's absence after many doubted his ability to lead the team with the Argentina wizard sidelined. 

Messi returned as a sub in El Clasico, but he rejoins the first-team squad as Barca sit four points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, and six points ahead of Real Madrid. 

Neymar may not be considered on a par with Messi—and there's every chance he never will be—but he is in an elite-class bracket at the top of the world game and has much more to offer Barcelona in the years ahead.