Barcelona transfer news: Guardiola plots move for Barca superstar, team-mate speaks out on Griezmann's future, and more - 5th March 2018

Filipe Luis is sure of Antoine Griezmann staying put

The Atletico Madrid left-back is one of the senior figures in the dressing room and has played with Griezmann for quite some time now. The 32-year old spoke about the future of his team's superstar in an interview to Spanish news outlet, Marca, and said:

"He is a player who is far above the level of his teammates, which is us. I am convinced that he has not made any decision and that he is not clear about it."

"At Atlético he has an entire team playing for him and he is very happy. He is happy with the club and with the city, so I do see him here for many years."

Thus, Luis does admit that Griezmann's quality is higher than that of the team, which further justifies why Barcelona would like to add him in the summer.

However, the veteran does make a point regarding the Frenchman being happy at Madrid and this could be a source of concern for Barcelona. Even if the Blaugrana convince the forward to leave Atletico, Real Madrid could make a late swoop which would allow him to stay in the same city.

If anything, this proves that any deal is far from completion and it could turn out to be another transfer saga for Barcelona.

---

Jose Mourinho wants Ivan Rakitic

Rakitic faces strong competition for his position next season

The Croatian has been in superb form for Ernesto Valverde's side this season and has added consistency to his game. He has been an ever-present in the first-team with only Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets clocking more minutes this season.

However, all that looks likely to change in the coming season, and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to cash in on the situation, as per reports from Diario Gol.

The arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool increased competition in midfield although the Brazilian is playing in a more advanced position. Further, the links to Antoine Griezmann, if true, could see the Frenchman occupy the left-wing next season, pushing Coutinho into midfield and potentially relegating Rakitic to the bench.

The fact that the midfielder is set to turn 30 in the coming days does not bode well for him either. Thus, the player is considering his future at Camp Nou and has several offers, as per the report. Manchester United are allegedly one of them, with Mourinho apparently under the impression that Rakitic could be the player to solve his midfield conundrum.

The former Sevilla player has asked for one month to decide if the reports are to be believed. While Barcelona have a ready replacement in Coutinho for the role, they will need another midfielder to fill up the numbers if they decide to sell Rakitic, who is set to add to his nine titles before choosing his next destination at the end of this season.

---

Pep Guardiola plots shock bid for Andres Iniesta

A reunion?

The Barcelona captain is entering the twilight of his career and has seen his playing time cut down this season. The arrival of Philippe Coutinho in January has further raised question marks over his role in the first-team.

Despite signing a 'lifetime' contract last October, it is a non-binding one and Guardiola is planning a shock reunion, as per reports from The Mirror. The outlet states that the Manchester City boss wants to reunite with Iniesta and is keeping a close eye on developments at Camp Nou.

Thus, it is now down to Iniesta to decide on the kind of role he would want to play for Barcelona next season. If he is willing to move to the Premier League in the summer, then Guardiola will jump at the opportunity, and given the stunning resurgence of David Silva this season, Iniesta might receive a new lease of life as well.

Meanwhile, for Barcelona, it remains imperative to sign a new midfielder and there could be consequences if they sanction this move as City are potential rivals when it comes to the UEFA Champions League.