Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Mesut Ozil, Gianluigi Donnarumma Rumours

Barcelona have reportedly denied reports they’re interested in signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.

According to Mundo Deportivo, (h/t Goal) there is no interest in the Gunners star from the Blaugrana despite claims negotiations had already taken place between the two parties over a €50 million move to La Liga.

Luis F. Rojo of Marca reported on Saturday that there had been contact between Ozil’s agent and the Catalan giants about a deal, noting the Germany international was not keen on extending his contract at the Emirates Stadium. As we can see here courtesy of MisterChip, he’s been in tremendous form so far this season:

The former Real Madrid man does seem to possess all the qualities needed to play for Barcelona.

Ozil, like a lot of the club’s current players, makes football look so easy. The technique, touch and in-game intelligence he showcases on the field make him as one of the most creative players in the game. The style of football Barca play would suit his array of talents perfectly too.

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However, Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez doesn’t seem too keen on Barcelona potentially going after Ozil:

Indeed, while he’s a special player, the Spanish champions already have plenty of attacking quality in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. If the kind of money being mentioned is there for the club to spend in the summer, then it’d be better utilised in strengthening other parts of the squad.

Additionally, the European champions are also said to have sent scouts to watch Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, translated by David Amoyal.

“Today Barcelona sent a scout to watch him play at San Siro against Genoa,” read the piece. “Milan's young 'keeper could be an idea for the future for the Blaugrana.”

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The 16-year-old has been drafted into the Rossoneri’s starting XI this term, ousting the veteran stopper Diego Lopez. So far, he’s taken the pressures of playing for such an illustrious club in his stride and, as we can see, has already produced many memorable moments between the sticks:

As these statistics from Squawka Football show, Donnarumma is having a very impressive debut season in Serie A, especially for a player so young:

Even though he’s a huge talent, Barcelona don’t really need to pursue another goalkeeper. They already have two superb options to call upon in Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The latter is only 23 years old himself and looks likely to be the long-term No. 1 at the Camp Nou when Bravo does eventually move on.

So while it’s no surprise to hear that the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on this extraordinary talent, for the time being it’s surely not a move that will happen. For now, Donnarumma is better off playing at Milan, getting valuable first-team experience under his belt and continuing his rapid development.