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Hello and welcome to the daily transfer news roundup for Barcelona!
Today's top stories feature Marcus Rashford, Willian and updates on prime targets like Antoine Griezmann and Matthijs de Ligt. Here are the top transfer news and rumours of the day surrounding the Catalan giants!
Barcelona president on Antoine Griezmann, De Ligt and Philippe Coutinho
Antoine Griezmann dramatically announced his desire to stay at Atletico Madrid last month, after he was linked with a move to Barcelona throughout the summer. The French forward extended his stay by signing a new contract and his release clause will be dropped to €120 million.
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Despite Griezmann expressing his decision, the rumours persist but Barcelona president claimed that the transfer is now off the table.
In an interview with TVE, Barcelona president said:
"I want all the great players to play in La Liga."
"It was his decision. If he tells us he wants to come? We would have to speak with the coach, but Griezmann's not on the table right now. He has not called Barça."
Barcelona president also did not rule out a move for Ajax captain, Matthijs de Ligt this summer
"There are several teams that want him. It seems he will be on the market and depending on what the coaches say, we will decide whether to get involved. He's a great player and would fit in at Barça."
After having already secured Frenkie De Jong, de Ligt's teammate, in the January transfer window, the Blaugrana hierarchy are reportedly in pole position to close the deal for de Ligt. The Catalan giants are confident that the Ajax defender will choose Barcelona, just like his teammate.
De Ligt has consistently proved his potential for Ajax and Netherlands against tough opponents like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Germany. It is rare for a player of his age to captain a team but de Ligt's Ajax are still treble contenders just like Barcelona.
Bartomeu on Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, also opened up about reportedly unsettled Brazilian star, Philippe Coutinho.
"It's not possible for Neymar to come to Barcelona as we have another sporting project with Dembele and Coutinho. Coutinho is an excellent player and he has the coach's confidence. He has a contract with us and he will remain at the team, unless they meet his release clause." said Bartomeu.
Barcelona also eye a move for Marcus Rashford
According to reports from Spanish media outlet Sport via reports in UK, Barcelona are eyeing up a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. If reports are to be believed, Blaugrana are willing to splash the cash on Rashford, who is young and led their attack in the future.
There were rumours of Rashford's exit when Jose Mourinho in charge but since the arrival of Ole Gunner Solskjaer, Rashford has stepped up. With 13 goals and 9 assists, the England international has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Red Devils. But Rashford is yet to sign a new contract with United.
United realize his importance and want to renew his contract which expires next summer. There is no doubt that United board won't be willing to let go off their asset so easily. But Barcelona can offer Philippe Coutinho which can make the deal more likely.
Catalan Giants chasing Willian again
After repeated failed attempts to sign the Brazilian last summer, Barcelona will again try to sign the winger this summer. According to reports from The Telegraph via Marca, Catalan giants are plotting another move for Willian to bolster their attack.
The 30-year-old has only one year left on his current contract which makes it easier for Barcelona to land the winger. Meanwhile, FIFA imposed a ban on Chelsea for two transfer windows which means they won't be able to buy players in the coming season. With Eden Hazard highly tipped to join Real Madrid, Chelsea will not be willing to lose any of their starlets.
Willian has scored just 8 goals and provided 14 assists but remains one of the most used players under Maurizio Sarri. Telegraph is reliable outlet but it is less likely that Barcelona will be willing to make a move for another winger who will turn 31 next season.
