Inside Football: Barcelona's Full-Back Chase and Arda Turan's Future
Times are changing at Barcelona, with Luis Enrique stepping down from the throne at the end of the season and a shuffle of the squad expected to kick off a new era.
Significant attention ahead of next term will be on the addition of a new right-back, and Inside Football this week takes a look at how the club's focus is set to shift from Hector Bellerin to Cedric Soares.
There is uncertainty about Arda Turan's spot in the Barca squad as he is linked with a move to Arsenal, and I have detail on factors that could help the Gunners complete a summer deal.
Away from the Nou Camp, I also have news on Jermain Defoe's Sunderland future, a new deal for Michail Antonio and a club scouting Roma's Antonio Rudiger.
Barca's Bellerin Back-Up Plan
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Barcelona are going to consider a £20 million move for Southampton defender Cedric this summer.
The Spanish club are on the lookout for new options at full-back and identified Arsenal's Bellerin as a top priority.
It would be an incredibly difficult deal to pull off, though, given that he recently signed a new long-term contract worth around £100,000 a week. Bellerin is flattered by the interest, but a return to his former club remains some way off, so alternative players have been identified.
Saints right-back Cedric, 25, is one man high on the list, and sources in Spain have told me he is increasingly viewed as a realistic target.
Manchester City also have an eye on him, as they pursue new options to replace Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta for next term.
Cedric's impressive capability on the ball and ability to produce chances from wide positions have been strong areas in his play this Premier League season.
Southampton do not want to lose the defender but realise bigger clubs have been monitoring him. Sources have indicated to me that it would take a bid of £20 million to lure Cedric away from the south coast.
Arda Turan's Uncertain Future
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Arda wants to stay at Barcelona, but his future at the club will rest on the next manager.
It has been difficult to establish himself since a switch from Atletico Madrid in 2015, but Luis Enrique has always given the player full backing and helped with his confidence.
With that in mind, it is interesting that Arsenal are now being linked with a move for Turan by The Times, as Arsene Wenger views him as a candidate to replace Mesut Ozil in the side.
While I am told that the player's preference would be to remain in Spain, I am also led to believe London is one city that really interests him.
An intriguing aspect of a potential move is the fact Arda already has property in London and believes he could settle well in the Premier League.
The Gunners need to recruit players with a winning mentality, and Arda would bring that, along with sheer will and desire.
The Turkey international is 30 years old and realises his future is uncertain, as any incoming manager may not give him the opportunities he craves.
Defoe on the Move Again
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Defoe is part of the latest England squad and is now expected to leave Sunderland in the summer to boost his chance of being included in Gareth Southgate's World Cup side.
Defoe, 34, is enjoying a prolific season after scoring 14 goals from 28 Premier League appearances.
He joined Sunderland in 2015 but the side are currently bottom of the table, and he will not stick around if they are relegated.
Defoe knows he already has interest from Crystal Palace and West Ham, while sources have indicated to me that Watford would attempt to sign him if he becomes available.
The reward of an England World Cup spot in 2018 is suddenly beginning to look realistic for Defoe, but his next career decision will go a long way to defining whether he makes the cut.
Chelsea Keep an Eye on Rudiger
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Chelsea are going to pay close attention to Roma defender Rudiger ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rudiger, 24, has made 17 Serie A starts since returning from a knee injury in October and has been in good form.
Chelsea had been scouting Rudiger ahead of the injury, and I am told they are now making checks on him again.
The centre of defence is an area Antonio Conte will undoubtedly strengthen over the close season, and Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci could still make a move to Stamford Bridge, according to a report by Yahoo Sport.
Michael Keane of Burnley and Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough are other names that have been discussed, but Rudiger's form could yet lead Chelsea to take another look in his direction.
Antonio Set for West Ham Reward
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West Ham are hopeful they will agree a new contract with Antonio, even though he only put pen to paper on his last deal less than a year ago.
Antonio has been a shining light for the Hammers this season and has begun to attract the attention of bigger clubs.
Manchester United and Chelsea are among those monitoring his situation, but it is likely Antonio will soon be moved on to higher wages to keep him at the London Stadium.
West Ham realise he deserves to be shifted towards the higher end of their pay scale but have been reluctant to do so too soon, as other squad members would expect similar treatment.
However, after such a standout campaign, the club cannot afford to lose him and are likely to improve his pay to around £70,000 a week.
