Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold, De Ligt could reject Barca for PSG and more Barcelona transfer news: 12 June 2019

All the latest Barcelona news in one place!

Philippe Coutinho set for exit

Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho is closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian has struggled in Spain ever since his move from Liverpool last January and the Barcelona board are prepared to offload him to fund moves for several other targets.

According to Paris United, Coutinho's agent has already held talks with PSG over a potential summer move.

It is also believed that fellow Brazilians Neymar, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are attempting to persuade the former Liverpool star to move to Paris.

De Ligt warned against PSG move

Former Barcelona defender Ronald de Boer has warned Ajax and Netherlands star Matthijs de Ligt not to sign for PSG. De Boer feels Barcelona and Manchester City are more suited to the 19-year-old's style of play and that at PSG, he would have to tweak his game style which could hinder his development.

"[De Ligt] is a player who can play for any team and for me it would be better to see him playing at Barcelona, because they are a club with the same philosophy as Ajax. He started at Ajax as a 10-year-old and he has a philosophy and a way of playing which is very close to that of Barcelona."

"He wouldn't need to adapt, and he would be ready to play. People see him with a ball, but without the ball he is also very good

"[PSG] are a very good team with great players, but they a team that don't play like [De Ligt] is used to. It's different and philosophy is important, and if you ask me I'd prefer to see him at Barcelona or Manchester City."

"He must have confidence in his own character. If he doesn't play the first few months [at Barcelona], he should remain calm.

Barcelona to sell 8 players in the summer

Liverpool v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Second Leg

Despite running out comfortable winners in La Liga, Barcelona's season ended with a whimper as they crashed out of the Champions League in the semifinals and also came up short in the Copa del Rey final.

As a result, Ernesto Valverde is prepared to wield the axe and offload as many as eight first-team players.

According to reports in Marca, Jasper Cillessen, Nelson Semedo, Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic, Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Malcom and Philippe Coutinho will all be shown the exit door as Barcelona prepare for a summer of renovation.

Thomas Vermaelen, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jeison Murillo will also be leaving the club after their contracts come to an end this summer.

Manchester United lead race to sign Ivan Rakitic

Barcelona v Valencia - Spanish Copa del Rey Final

Manchester United have emerged as the favourites to sign Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. With Paul Pogba set to leave the club, United are in the market for replacements and have reportedly tabled a €65m bid for the Croat.

Rakitic too is keen on a move away from Spain as he remains unsure of his future following the arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax.

Lionel Messi wants Trent Alexander-Arnold at Barcelona

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

After witnessing first hand what Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is capable of - the 20-year-old's quick corner led to Liverpool's 4th goal which sent Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League - Lionel Messi wants the Catalans to sign the Englishman as a replacement for Nelson Semedo.

Semedo has grown increasingly unsettled at the club and is keen on a move away in the summer. Reports had suggested that Barcelona had informed the Portuguese that he could leave in the summer for €50 million.

Now, it appears they have already lined up his replacement. Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the finest full-backs on the planet and would fit in perfectly at Barcelona. Joshua Kimmich has also been named as an alternative.

Barcelona furious with Matthijs de Ligt

Portugal v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League Final

The Barcelona hierarchy are reportedly furious with Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt for delaying a move to the club. Barcelona were close to completing a deal for the Ajax captain, but his failure to sign on the dotted line coupled with PSG's late entry into the fold seems to have further complicated proceedings.

The Ligue 1 champions are now the frontrunners for his signature and De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola reportedly met with the French club's representatives over a potential move.

This has left Barcelona seething and they may turn their attention away from the Dutchman and focus on other targets.