Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Mario Gomez and Diego Alves Rumours

Mario Gomez is reportedly in negotiations with Barcelona over a possible move this summer, according to Besiktas general manager Metin Albayrak.

Per Sport's Toni Juanmarti, he told Anadolu press agency that Gomez would not be returning to Turkey on another loan deal from Fiorentina: "Our fans hope to see him again at Besiktas, but we know it will be difficult to see him return here. Mario is in negotiations with Barca and [Borussia] Dortmund. It is not easy for us."

According to Juanmarti, Gomez said his decision not to return to Besiktas is "completely due to the political situation" despite an excellent campaign. WhoScored.com revealed his numbers for the season:

Each of his goals can be seen here:

Barcelona are hoping to bring in a prolific striker to provide an alternative to their front three, with his ability to find the net seemingly more important than his technical ability, according to Juanmarti.

The 31-year-old could therefore fit the bill as a traditional No. 9 with an impressive goal record, having netted 200 goals for Stuttgart and Bayern Munich in 330 games.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez believes he would be an excellent signing:

Indeed, not only is he a proven goalscorer, but Gomez would also give Barca the ability to employ a different approach should the need arise thanks to his strength and aerial threat.

While he may not be a particularly long-term acquisition, his experience and eye for goal make him a viable option for the Blaugrana.

Meanwhile, Barca will reportedly turn to Diego Alves if either Marc-Andre ter Stegen or Claudio Bravo leaves this summer.

According to Sport's Lluis Miguelsanz, the goalkeeping battle at the Camp Nou has come to a head with both players wanting to be the undisputed No. 1 and prepared to leave if told otherwise.

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Valencia goalkeeper Alves has been "lined up" as a potential replacement and is interested in the move himself having "put on hold three major deals, including two from the Premier League and one from Turkey."

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes Ter Stegen should be chosen ahead of Bravo:

Indeed, given he is only 24 and Bravo is 33, it seems highly likely Barca would prefer to keep the German.

At 31, Alves is a little younger than Bravo and would make a strong and experienced No. 2.