Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Arda Turan and Javier Mascherano Exit Rumours

Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan could both be sold by Barcelona this summer as part of a clear out at the Camp Nou. 

According to Sport, Barca are making plans to move on a number of first-team players, although their departures would have to be sanctioned by the new manager. Mascherano and Turan are two players said to be under threat, as is defender Jeremy Mathieu.

"The opinion in the sporting structure headed by Robert Fernandez is that various footballers, for one reason or another, have given all they can at the club and are at the moment [when] it is time to take the bull by the horns and open the door for them to leave Barcelona," it's reported.

Additionally, it's noted that Fernandez may let "some even more important players go" in the summer.

With Luis Enrique set to depart as manager, seismic changes look to be on the cards for the Blaugrana. Indeed, a player like Mascherano's departure would feel significant.

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The Argentina international has been superb since arriving at the Camp Nou in 2010, forming a brilliant partnership with Gerard Pique at centre-back. His defensive awareness, quality of distribution and aggression have made him a big fan favourite in Catalonia.

However, as noted by journalist Rafael Hernandez during Barca's 3-0 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday, the veteran has looked a little leggy as of late:

The report states that Mascherano's "professionalism and leadership" is still cherished at Barcelona, although he could still be set for a summer exit.

Turan is another player potentially on his way out, having failed to impress since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2015.

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The Turkey international was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in La Liga during his time at the Vicente Calderon, offering energy and guile between the lines. But he's struggled to get a run of games since his transfer, and his standards have dropped as a result.

As noted by Bleacher Report's Dean Jones in March, Turan has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently:

There are plenty of clubs that would be happy to take a punt on the 30-year-old based on his Atletico form. For Barcelona, selling up would make sense too; according to the report, Turan "would bring in a lot of money."

Mathieu is another player who looks as though he'll be on the move having failed to convince in Barcelona colours since his arrival from Valencia in 2014.

The Frenchman was utilised on the left side of a back three against Juventus and given a torrid time by the effervescent Juan Cuadrado. Mathieu has been replaced at half-time in the past two Blaugrana games.

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Per Kieran Canning of AFP, the Barcelona stars don’t seem to have total confidence in the defender’s ability either:

Barcelona made moves to strengthen the depth of their squad in the previous summer transfer windows, although Enrique still seems to be reliant on the same players he was three years ago. It's clear some turnover in personnel is needed if the Blaugrana are to dominate again.

Mascherano would be missed at the Camp Nou, although Samuel Umtiti's emergence this season means the centre-back options would remain strong. By contrast, you sense the departures of Turan and Mathieu wouldn't be lamented for too long.