Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Buyout Clause Boost, Latest Blaugrana Rumours

Barcelona and Neymar are reportedly closing in on an agreement over a new contract that would see the Brazilian's buyout clause increased from €200 million (£153.3 million) to €250 million (£191.7 million).

According to Radio Catalunya (via Calciomercato), an announcement will be made following Barca's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla on Sunday to confirm an extension up to 2021 on Neymar's current deal.

The news, if and when it comes, will be a huge relief to all involved with Barca as it should finally end the constant speculation that has surrounded the 24-year-old superstar over the last year.

Reports have long linked Neymar with a move to Manchester United, and Sky Sports' Guillem Balague recently suggested Barca might be forced to sell if they could not afford to extend his deal.

Paris Saint-Germain have also long been reported as suitors and have the funds to pay his current release clause, per L'Equipe (via football writer Tariq Panja):

However, confirmation of a new deal for Neymar and a major increase in his buyout clause should ward off any speculative buyers for at least the next few seasons.

And it should allow Neymar and Barca to refocus on the forward's form on the pitch.

A late-season drop in quality from Neymar—amid a string of poor results from Barca—came alongside critical reports of his lifestyle from two Catalan newspapers, via Balague.

A Sport poll at the time even returned a majority of voters in favour of Barca selling Neymar for €190 million (£145.6 million), via MailOnline's Pete Jenson.

However, he remains a vital part of Barcelona's attack and returned his best La Liga stats of his Camp Nou career so far in 2015-16, netting 24 goals and providing 12 assists in 34 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Neymar's combination with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is staggeringly prolific, per SuperSport:

And the superlative trio will again be the key components for manager Luis Enrique next season as Barca aim to successfully defend the Liga title and also win the UEFA Champions League.

One of few weaknesses in the Barca squad that has been revealed over the past season is a lack of back-up for Neymar, Messi and Suarez.

A potential target who could bolster their attacking strength is Hatem Ben Arfa, and the Catalan club are now reportedly one of three clubs the Frenchman will decide between over the summer.

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According to Canal+ (via Sport), Ben Arfa, now a free agent after an excellent term with Nice, said he has "received 18 offers" and has whittled them down to "just three," believed to be from Barca, PSG and Lyon.

The 29-year-old Frenchman enjoyed a startling renaissance in 2015-16, returning 17 goals and six assists in Ligue 1, per WhoScored.

His versatility will undoubtedly be attractive to Enrique as he can play both through the middle and on either flank, and thus could provide cover for all three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez.