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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Barcelona transfer roundup. The Catalans have been cautious with their transfer business so far in this winter transfer window. Valverde would much rather not upset the rhythm of the team that's currently topping the LaLiga table than bring some high-profile signings before the transfer season ends at the end of the month.
Today we have some sensational rumours that caught many an eye. Without further ado, let's take a look at the top Barcelona transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines today.
Also See: La Liga News
Philippe Coutinho set to hold crisis talks with Ernesto Valverde
Philippe Coutinho secured a dream move to Barcelona in the January of 2018 for a reported £142 million and touched down at the Camp Nou amid huge fanfare. However, after an impressive start to his career in Catalonia, Coutinho has struggled and has now fallen out of favour under Ernesto Valverde.
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Now, as per Sport, the midfielder who is growing increasingly frustrated is set to hold crisis talks with manager Ernesto Valverde in the hopes of sorting out his future. Barcelona signed Coutinho on a club record deal in the hopes that the Brazilian will go on to be a long-term replacement for club legend Andres Iniesta.
Ernesto Valverde wants Philippe Coutinho to get back to his best and is backing him to become the player they shelled out well in excess of £100 million for. Coutinho's recent form has been a cause for concern after having scored a singular goal from his last 6 appearances for La Blaugrana.
Coutinho has also been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United's name being the most prominent on the list of suitors for the 26-years-old. However, Barca are not willing to give up on the playmaker just yet.
Bartomeu wants Jordi Alba to stay 5 more years at Barcelona
Left-back Jordi Alba has made sure that Barca do not miss Neymar on the left wing. Operating at left-back, his understanding with Lionel Messi has been one of the main driving forces behind Barcelona's good run this season.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that he wants to spend 5 more years at the Camp Nou. Alba recently admitted that he's been left in the dark about a contract renewal with his current contract set to expire in 2020.
However, Bartomeu has now put all speculation to rest and said,
“I want both Valverde and Jordi Alba to continue with us and they both have a contract,” said
”I have already told Alba that I want him to continue with us for five more years.”
Alba has said several times that he wants to retire at Barcelona.
Chelsea prepare summer move for Ivan Rakitic
As per the Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona midfielder Rakitic could be set for an explosive exit in the summer as Chelsea are eyeing up a move for the Croatian World Cup finalist.
The arrival of Frenkie De Jong has intensified competition for a starting berth in Barcelona's midfield. Barcelona are expected to add Adrien Rabiot to their roster in the summer. As such, an ageing Rakitic will find playing time difficult to come by.
Ivan Rakitic was a subject of interest to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and after being linked extensively with a move away, the Croat decided to stay put at the Camp Nou and concentrate on his football.
The Catalans are aware that Rakitic will have great options on the table should he chose to leave in the summer. Apart from Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the player.
Juan Mata's agent travels to Spain to hold talks with Barcelona
Manchester United's Juan Mata is out of contract at the end of the season and Barcelona have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old. Now according to Mundo Deportivo, Juan Mata's agent has flown to Barcelona to orchestrate a free transfer in the summer.
Barcelona are not pleased with Philippe Coutinho's form and are considering the Spanish maestro as an ideal replacement should the Brazilian's situation worsen. Coutinho wants to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place and Valverde is backing the Brazilian to get back to his best.
Recently, Valverde said,
"What I like about Coutinho is that he's daring and he's always prepared to take the opposition on.
"He makes things happen. After that, sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't.
"He's had good chances and the fact that he's getting into those positions one-on-one with the goalkeeper is really good.
"He's not converted those chances this time, but he will."
Mata will be a great fit at Barcelona thanks to his slick feet, passing and natural playmaking abilities. However, he remains a fan favourite and one of the senior-most members on Manchester United's roster and therefore, the club is likely to offer him a contract extension.
Denis Suarez hours away from joining Arsenal
According to The Guardian, out of favour Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez is on the verge of signing for Arsenal on a loan deal till the end of the season. The Gunners are expected to have the option of making the deal permanent in the summer.
The report claims that Suarez's representatives are in London for the final phase of negotiations. Arsenal cannot make permanent signings in this transfer window as they have a high net spend of £63.8 million from last summer. So they are hoping to insert an option of buying Suarez at the end of the season.
Real Betis are another club that's been closely linked with Suarez and the LaLiga outfit was ready to sign him on a permanent basis. However, Suarez has chosen Arsenal over Betis. Arsenal will lose Aaron Ramsey at the end of the season as the Welsh playmaker has entered into a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.
Therefore, they need to strengthen in midfield and look at Suarez as a long-term solution. Denis Suarez's current deal at Barcelona will expire only in 2020 and the Cules are, therefore, hopeful of getting a decent amount as transfer fee.
