Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Andres Iniesta and Nelson Semedo

Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta has turned down a lucrative offer from the Chinese Super League worth a potential €35 million (£30.3 million).

That’s according to Juan Jimenez of AS, who has suggested that the iconic midfielder would have earned the sum after tax had he opted to leave the Camp Nou. It’s suggested "other perks" were included in the offer, including a stipulation that Iniesta would not have to play in away matches.

As noted in the piece, Barcelona and Iniesta are still negotiating over a new contract at the moment, with his current deal set to expire in 2018. However, it’s suggested discussions aren’t straightforward, with the player’s agent, former Barca defender Carles Puyol, said to be unhappy with the terms put to Iniesta.

The Blaugrana legend epitomises the Catalan giants, having developed his craft in the club’s academy and set incredible standards throughout his career. Here is a look at some of his best recent moments in the Barcelona jersey:

Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine the player donning any other club colours, such is his attachment to the La Liga champions.

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Iniesta has spoken about interest from the Chinese Super League before. While that type of money would be enough to tempt any player, the 32-year-old cited the language barrier as a big stumbling block. "They've not called me," he said in December of potential interest, per Sport. "In fact, I don't have an interpreter."

Although Iniesta’s influence on this Barca team will inevitably start to decrease, the club directors will be desperate to get him tied down to fresh terms. After all, while his commitment to the Blaugrana cause is beyond dispute, the sums involved would make any player consider their position.

Barcelona Linked with Nelson Semedo

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According to O Jogo (h/t Sport Witness), Barcelona are in the race to sign Benfica’s raiding right-back Nelson Semedo.

In the piece it’s suggested that while Manchester United have long been admirers of the 23-year-old, the club’s inability to get a deal over the line has given other parties a chance to run the rule over the player. Barcelona are noted as one, while Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also linked.

Semedo has caught the eye in Lisbon this season, adding balance, width and penetration to the Benfica team. Here’s why some of the biggest clubs in European football are said to be keen to secure his signature:

Given Barcelona are short of options on the right side of defence, speculation has been rife about potentially recruiting a new right-back in the summer. Semedo is a full-back that’d tick a lot of boxes.

Indeed, while the Blaugrana have been linked with former La Masia starlet and current Arsenal man Hector Bellerin, per David Hynter of the Guardian, sports journalist Rafael Hernandez believes that Semedo would be a better option:

Since Dani Alves’ departure ahead of the campaign the Blaugrana have lacked a player with genuine thrust on the right side. Sergi Roberto has done a fine job when called upon, although the possession football Barcelona play requires a specialist, attacking full-back. Semedo falls into that category.

If Barcelona want a dynamic and adventurous player to step into the right-back position, there are few better options available than Semedo. However, if there are plenty of clubs interested in landing him, competition will be fierce.