Barcelona transfer news: Messi snubbed City, Brazilian ready for move and more - 6th December 2017

Lionel Messi rejected Manchester City before signing new deal

The Argentine agreed to a new deal verbally in the summer but did not follow it up by actually signing it. Messi was reportedly unhappy with Neymar's departure to Paris Saint-Germain and the subsequent failed efforts by the club to sign able replacements. The 30-year old's contract was set to expire in the summer, leading to speculations over his future with former manager, Pep Guardiola, on the horizon at Manchester City.

Eventually, the superstar signed a new deal with a stunning reported release clause of €700 million. However, Spanish outlet, Marca, reports that the English club were actually interested in Messi but it was his decision to stay at a club where he came through the ranks.

The report states that Manchester City offered a €100 million signing-on fee to try and lure him in the summer. Further, Messi was offered a stunning £850,000-a-week package, reportedly higher than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Thus, Messi's preference of staying at Barcelona highlights his commitment to try and finish his career at the club where it all began. Meanwhile, for City, this could very well be the end of their pursuit for the Argentine superstar.

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Arthur confirms Barcelona interest

Arthur confirms Barcelona interest

The 21-year old led Brazilian side Gremio to a Copa Libertadores win in the past week and was pictured in a Barcelona jersey, igniting rumours of a possible move in January. The Brazilian club were naturally offended and Barcelona had to issue an apology.

Further, Gremio reiterated that any club must pay Arthur's €50 million release clause if they wish to sign their prized asset.

Now, the midfielder himself addressed the rumours and said:

"Regarding the Barcelona issue, they really spoke with me. We had a meeting but I want to say that there is nothing closed, there is nothing defined. I did not sign anything. I'm a Gremio player. We have not started the negotiations. Then, if I sign the contract, I will be a Barcelona player, but this has not happened."

"It has to be something good for me and good for Gremio, which is my home. It's a club that I admire a lot, I came here with 14 years. I'm a gremista at heart, my blood is blue. It was only a first contact for them to know my family and for me to meet them. Let's take it easy. There is nothing defined but we did have a conversation."

This topic was brought to Ernesto Valverde's attention after last night's Champions League victory over Sporting CP and the Barcelona boss said:

"I know there have been a lot of controversy [regarding Arthur] but I have only heard it from the distance. But the truth is that I do not know the player very well and I can not comment too much about him."

Thus, Barcelona are definitely interested in Arthur and it could be just a matter of time before he joins the Blaugrana.

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Barcelona to swap Jordi Alba for Danny Rose

Danny Rose is wanted by Barcelona

Danny Rose has been involved in altercations with Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino, for a while now and reports in England point to a possible move in the coming year.

Manchester United's Jose Mourinho is reportedly a fan of the 27-year old but, Spurs would prefer selling to a foreign club over a domestic rival. Now, Spanish outlet, GOL, states that Barcelona are interested in the Englishman.

The left-back has been a key figure in Tottenham's rise in recent years and could prove to be a valuable asset for any top European team. No wonder, Barcelona are willing to let go of Jordi Alba to sign the player, in a swap deal, as per the report.

While it remains to be seen whether Barcelona actually let go of the Spaniard for Rose, there is no doubt that the player will do well at Camp Nou.