Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Marco Verratti and Hector Bellerin

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is reportedly desperate to don the Barcelona colours one day in the future.

That’s according to Le 10 Sport (h/t Lorenzo Bettoni of Calciomercato.com), where it’s stated that despite PSG’s willingness to keep the Italy international in the French capital, he has a dream of running out at the Camp Nou.

While Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also credited with an interest in the elegant playmaker, it’s noted Barcelona are set to make their interest known in Verratti at the end of the current campaign with a view to landing the player in the summer of 2017.

Since moving to PSG, Verratti has developed into one of the star midfield players in European football. Here’s a look at what he can offer:

The 25-year-old’s attributes marry up brilliantly with the classic Barcelona blueprint, too. When representing the Catalan club, technical ability, range of passing and a cerebral appreciation of the game are such important skills. Verratti excels in all those aspects and continues to improve at the Parc des Princes.

Although PSG have endured a testing start to the season under new manager Unai Emery, as noted here by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson, the Italian has been a joy to watch:

Looking at Barcelona’s squad, the central-midfield positions are arguably the area they need to strengthen the least. Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic typically operate in the space in front of Sergio Busquets; manager Luis Enrique can call upon Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Arda Turan, Rafinha and Sergi Roberto if needed, too.

Nevertheless, with Iniesta approaching the twilight of his career, perhaps the Catalan club will start considering the great man’s potential successor. Although his influence will be irreplaceable, Verratti is one of a select few in the world game capable of stepping into his shoes and doing almost as good a job.

Hector Bellerin Offered New Arsenal Deal

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According to Peter O’Rourke of ESPN FC, Arsenal are to offer right-back Hector Bellerin a new bumper contract as they seek to fend off interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.

The aforementioned duo are said to be keeping tabs on the Spain international, who has enjoyed a rapid rise at the Emirates Stadium.

"Sources told ESPN FC that Arsenal have made contact with Bellerin's representatives to express their willingness to offer him a new deal and talks are expected to get underway soon," the report continued.

Bellerin actually learned his trade in Barca’s revered La Masia academy before moving to Arsenal in 2011. Now he’s one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs.

The most obvious plus point in the Spaniard’s game, one that will no doubt appeal to Barcelona, is his ability to make an impact in the final third. These numbers from WhoScored.com are an insight into Bellerin’s relentlessness with the ball at his feet:

Given the way in which Barcelona stretch the play, Bellerin would potentially have so much space to surge into during matches if he were to move to the Camp Nou. His raw pace and energy are also massive attributes that aid in terms of his work going forward and his defensive duties, too.

Even though Barca lost Dani Alves during the summer, they aren’t in desperate need of a new right-back after how well Roberto has settled into the role. Should Arsenal tie the 21-year-old down for the long term, perhaps this is a deal they’ll seek to address a few years further down the line.