Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Hector Bellerin and Andre Gomes

Hector Bellerin would snub Juventus to sign for Barcelona. The Arsenal right-back is a target of both clubs but is said to favour a return to the Camp Nou, according to reports from Spain.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t CalcioMercato.com) reported the defender would choose Barca over a move to Turin: "Juventus scouted the talented right-back during the U21 international friendly between Spain and Italy last week, but the Bianconeri are set to be beaten by Barcelona for the signing of the 21-year-old who, according to Mundo Deportivo, is available for €50 million."

Rumours of Bellerin leaving north London for a return to La Liga have been gathering steam in recent weeks. However, Sport recently rebuffed a report from Spanish radio station Cadena SER stating Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez had travelled to London to meet with the player.

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Instead, the Sport report stated Bellerin's representatives denied the meeting ever took place. Ironically, Barca would want Bellerin to help them finally replace Dani Alves, the decorated veteran right-back who left for Juventus last summer.

Barcelona have been unable to find a successor for Alves, with converted midfielder Sergi Roberto most often asked to play as a makeshift full-back. Yet the ploy hasn't worked, leading Barca back to former academy product Bellerin, a defender who boasts the recovery pace and technical quality to suit their style of play.

By the same token, though, Juve may want Bellerin as they seek a younger option to Alves. The latter is now 33, although he still has the ability to thrive at the top level.

However, neither Barca nor Juve may be able to sign Bellerin this summer. After all, the 22-year-old will command a hefty fee, with Mundo Deportivo (h/t Metro) reporting the Gunners will want at least £42 million for their precocious right-back.

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Meanwhile, Bellerin's team-mate at Arsenal and the Barca academy, Jon Toral, believes Bellerin will opt to stay in north London. Toral, who is on loan at Glasgow Rangers, was speaking to Cadena SER (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star): "I think he will stay in Arsenal for many years."

It's understandable for Barca to want to re-sign a talented prospect who got away. The Catalan club has been down this road before with Arsenal when they eventually brought Cesc Fabregas back to the Camp Nou in 2011.

However, it seems like Barca will have to wait a little longer for Bellerin.

Lionel Messi Reportedly Wants Andre Gomes Sale

Barcelona's attacking talisman Lionel Messi reportedly wants to see struggling midfielder Andre Gomes sold. A report from Spanish source Diario Gol (h/t James Walters of the Daily Star) says Messi and some of his team-mates don't rate Gomes: "They say the 22-year-old doesn't play the way Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar want him to, and they have become frustrated."

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It's also stated Messi and Co. would prefer Gomes is moved on in order to ensure more playing time for another creative midfielder: "Diario Gol add that Barca's stars want Arda Turan to get more game time rather than Gomes."

Gomes has struggled to adapt to life at Barca since signing from Valencia last summer. However, his talent may not be the central issue. The problem might even focus on his connections with Portugal at international level.

Another report from Diario Gol (h/t Walters) detailed how some in the Barcelona squad don't like Gomes' rapport with a certain rival: "DiarioGol claim Messi and Co. feel Gomes is too close to Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo."

This perceived issue hasn't helped Gomes integrate with his new team-mates: "A few of the South American players at Barca reportedly don't talk when Gomes is around as they feel it could find its way back to Ronaldo."

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Whatever the reason, it would be fair to say Gomes hasn't made the grade at Barca. He cost the club over £41 million last summer but has returned just one goal and a single assist in all competitions this season, according to WhoScored.com.

At his best, though, Gomes can offer an effective combination of industry and guile to any top club. He is still just 23 and possesses the vision and technique to revitalise his career, even if it means he has to move on.

Gomes may not be wanted, but Bellerin would certainly be welcomed back at the Camp Nou. Don't expect rumours linking the Arsenal man to Barca to go away any time soon.