Robin Van Persie Tops List of 10 Players Linked to Barcelona

Fresh from their teams 4-0 World Club Cup final victory over Brazilian side Santos, Barcelona fans' thoughts are slowly turning to the disappointment of learning that Spanish striker David Villa will miss between 4-6 months of football following his fractured tibia.

Reports in the press recently suggested that Villa was unhappy at the club, and he had been dropped to the bench by Barca manager Pep Guardiola.

Despite his seemingly disposable status to Barcelona, there's no doubt that losing a player of his quality is bad news for any team.

Barcelona are a financially well-off club in comparison to many others in world football, and their recent European successes have ensured they are a highly-desirable team to play for.

After all, they can boast multiple world-class players in almost every position.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, a host of clubs will be praying that the Catalan giants don't come calling for their star players.

Here we take a look at who has been linked to the club of late.

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Robin Van Persie

If you believe what the Guardian writes, then Barcelona could be looking to sign the impressive Robin Van Persie in the new year.

There's no mention of a figure at the moment, but given his amazing form this year I expect him to fetch over £50 million pounds without argument.

Van Persie's goal record in 2011 is up there with the best in the world, which is why Barcelona have begun to take note.

RVP has also stalled on agreeing to a new deal with Arsenal, leading to speculation he might look to move on.

Gary Cahill

Sportsvibe are claiming that the Catalan giants will table a £5 million pound bid for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill in the new year.

It would be a blow to a number of English clubs who have been trying to secure Cahill's services, and another headache for Bolton manager Owen Coyle, who finds his club at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with just nine points after 16 league games.

Cahill is a current England international whose contract will expire in the summer of 2012.

Theo Walcott

Another Arsenal star linked with a move to Barcelona is forward Theo Walcott.

Arsenalnews.co.uk suggests Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is looking to table a bid as Walcott's contract will expire in 2013.

Walcott has expressed a desire to discuss a new deal with Arsenal but nothing has been signed yet.

Walcott has frightening pace but lacks technical ability, making him a surprising entry.

Gareth Bale

Footy-bible.co.uk has a story that should spark particular concern for Tottenham Hotspur fans as the website claims Barcelona will splash out £45 million pounds on Welsh winger Gareth Bale.

Bale has been magnificent for Tottenham over the past two seasons and has established himself as a world-class winger with frightening pace and fitness.

The thought of him playing for Barcelona is an exciting prospect for Barca fans.

David Silva

David Silva has been one of the best, if not THE best player in the Premier League so far this season.

On the back of the previous slide, the story is that Barcelona is looking to purchase Bale and Silva in a double swoop.

Silva cost Manchester City £24 million, so Barcelona will really have to dig deep to even get Manchester City interested in discussing a deal.

Given his performances so far this season, I expect him to fetch as much as Bale's proposed £45 million if not more.

Luis Suarez

Continuing the theme of Premier League players linked to Barcelona is Liverpool's Luis Suarez.

Suarez' performances this season have been superb for Liverpool, even if his goal tally doesn't suggest this.

Suarez has admitted in the past that he has dreamt of playing for Barcelona and his style of play would certainly suit the Catalan giants.

Thiago Silva

Whilst the story linking Thiago Silva to Barcelona is a little old, it is still prevalent.

AC Milan won't want to sell one of their star players, but since when does that matter.

Every player has their price in football and all Barcelona has to do is fine Milan's breaking point for Silva.

If Barcelona really wants Silva, the only person who could stop the transfer is Silva himself.

Alejandro Pozuelo

Real Betis forward Alejandro Pozuelo has been linked with a transfer to the Camp Nou.

With Pozuelo having only just broke into the Real Betis first team squad, he may provide a financially smart replacement for the injured and out-of-favour David Villa.

Pozuelo is currently playing as an attacking midfielder but can also play as a striker if required.

Alex Song

Arsenal seems to have become a feeder club for Barcelona transfer rumours as Alex Song marks the third Arsenal player on this list to be mentioned.

Song has three years left on his contract and is only 24 years of age, which makes the £15 million  figure mentioned by British newspaper the Mirror look extremely low for a player of his ability.

Thoughts

There are always going to be rumours when your club is as big and as famous as Barcelona.

As I stated in the Thiago Silva slide, if Barcelona really wants a player then usually it's only the player himself that can halt the move.

Cesc Fabregas proved that Barcelona is persistent in their targeting if nothing else.

I have no doubt that there will be movement both in and out of the Camp Nou this January; the only question that remains is how much.

Follow me on twitter @petercwebster

Alexander Hleb

As with all clubs, some players arrive and some leave.

One of Barcelona's players who is set to leave the club permanently is Belarusian misfit Alexander Hleb.

A forgotten man at the Camp Nou, Hleb has been on loan at German side Vfl Wolfsburg this season but English team QPR are looking to snare him in the new year according to caughtoffside.com.