Manchester City Transfer News: Rafinha Targeted by Pep Guardiola, Latest Rumours

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly wants to bring Barcelona midfielder Rafinha to the Etihad Stadium. 

That’s according to Fichajes.net (h/t Daniel Uccellieri of TuttoMercatoWeb.com), where it’s suggested the former Barca manager has long been an admirer of the Brazil international and is out to convince him to join the Premier League leaders.

Rafinha has come through the La Masia setup with the Catalan club, making his debut for the senior team in 2011. Here is a glimpse at some of his best moments in the iconic Blaugrana colours:

The 23-year-old is looking to rediscover his best form following a prolonged injury layoff. Rafinha damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments against AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League a year ago, eventually returning to the first team in April before more injury issues hampered his end to the season.

Now he’s back in the side and battling for his place in the starting XI again. Indeed, in the 5-1 win over Leganes on Saturday, Rafinha played in a right wing-back role and in the second half netted a wonderful goal from long range.

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As noted by MisterChip (English) a goal on the road was a long time coming for the midfielder after so much disruption:

It’s easy to see why Guardiola would want him at City. As a left-sided player, Rafinha brings great balance to the centre of midfield, which is his best position, although as mentioned, such is the Barcelona man’s football intelligence, he can fill a variety of positions. For any manager, a player capable of blending versatility with such high technical proficiency is a big asset.

Rafinha may find minutes tough to come by at the Camp Nou, with players such as Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes and Arda Turan all battling for a spot in the XI in his favoured role.

So, should Guardiola make him an enticing offer, there’s every chance the playmaker will ponder a possible move.

Hector Bellerin Offer Revealed

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According to Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Manchester City tried to sign Hector Bellerin from Arsenal in the summer.

It’s suggested that while City’s advances were rejected in the window just gone, should the Spain international decline the chance to sign a new deal in the coming months, the Gunners may consider selling him for €35 million (£30 million) next summer, with Barcelona said to be keen on bringing him in.

Bellerin honed his trade with Barca before moving to Arsenal in 2011. The 21-year-old has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, and, as a result, his current employers will be desperate to pin him down for the long term.

Indeed, according to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror, the Gunners gave a pretty blunt response when City made an enquiry for Bellerin:

It’s easy to see why Guardiola would want to bring the Spaniard to the Etihad. As a manager who loves to open the pitch up, a player who provides such thrust on the flanks with his blistering speed and intricate dribbling would be a threat. Barcelona’s interest is understandable for similar stylistic reasons.

Even so, it’s tough to see City coming out on top in a potential scramble for the player. Arsenal will surely do all in their power to keep Bellerin on board, although if he is to depart, Barcelona looks a better option for both the Gunners, who wouldn’t be selling to a domestic rival, and the right-back, who will have a natural affinity with his hometown club.