Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Fresh Targets Linked to Blaugrana

Ivan Rakitic has rubbished claims he's set to leave Barcelona after the club's reported deal to sign Valencia and Portugal midfield maestro Andre Gomes.

Miquel Sors, who was thought to represent Rakitic, made the claims. However, the player has put the record straight, by both reaffirming his commitment to Barca clearing up exactly who represents him, via his personal Twitter account (h/t FourFourTwo):

Rakitic made the statement after Sors appeared to react angrily to the news of Gomes' arrival. Sergio Gomez and J.L. Guerrero of Spanish publication AS (h/t BBC Sport) reported Barca had agreed a deal for Gomes.

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan then cited Spanish source Sport quoting Sors reacting to the news in a less than enthusiastic way:

Losing Rakitic would be a blow for La Liga's reigning champions, even after agreeing a deal for Gomes.

Rakitic is a superb mixture of graft, intelligence and flair. The Croatian is a major asset in any position across a midfield three, either deep, linking things in the middle or playing further forward where his underrated eye for goal becomes a factor.

In two seasons at the Camp Nou, Rakitic has almost managed the unenviable task of replacing the qualities of both Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas, and he remains pivotal to this team.

Luis Suarez Endorses Move for Luciano Vietto

Barca are strong, deep and talented in midfield. Where they need more options is up front, despite the presence of the best front three in the game: Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez.

Armando Franca/Associated Press

The latter has welcomed the idea of his club pursuing Atletico Madrid's Argentinian attacker Luciano Vietto:

"

Vietto is a great player. I really liked him when he played at Villarreal.

He has not been getting a lot of opportunities at Atletico, but there is no doubt about his quality. He is a player who could add a lot.

Whichever attacker arrives is more than welcome, because he will contribute a lot to our objectives of winning titles.

"

The links between Vietto and Barca have been strong throughout July. Earlier this month, Spanish source AS (h/t Goal) indicated the Catalan club had "reached a verbal agreement" with Atleti to sign Vietto.

Sevilla are also keen, but club president Pepe Castro recently told COPE's El Partido de las 12 radio show (h/t ESPN FC's Corrigan) he believes the player would favour a move to Barca.

There's no doubt the Blaugrana need stronger depth behind their prolific main trio. Vietto fits the bill as a fluid-moving, quick and technically gifted striker. His arrival would make the back-to-back league champions even more deadly in front of goal.