Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans not in talks for French ace, club wanted Federico Chiesa this summer, and more - August 31, 2024

Barcelona welcome Real Valladolid to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday (August 31) in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team have won all three games this season so far.

Meanwhile, the Catalans are not in talks to sign a French midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants were interested in Federico Chiesa this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 31, 2024.

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Barcelona not in talks for Adrien Rabiot, says Fabrizio Romano

Adrien Rabiot

Barcelona are not in talks to sign Adrien Rabiot, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French midfielder is a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Juventus this summer.

The 29-year-old is a highly experienced campaigner but hasn't generated much interest in his service so far. Recent reports have suggested that the player is on the Catalans' radar.

Hansi Flick was expected to sign a pivot midfielder this summer and Rabiot was named as an option. The La Liga giants were eyeing cost-effective options for the job and the Frenchman's contract situation makes him a fine choice.

However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano pointed out that Rabiot's salary expectations could be a deal breaker for Barcelona.

“Let me say this about the rumours placing Adrien Rabiot at Barca guys. Barca had problems with La Liga when trying to sign Bajcetic on loan, and Rabiot’s salary is probably x4 compared to Bajcetic… It’s difficult to imagine this deal happening for that reason," Romano wrote.

He continued:

“It’s all quiet at Barca at the moment because of La Liga and Financial Fair Play, and as for Rabiot, he is still waiting for an opportunity. He remains available.”

The 29-year-old remains an option and the club could return for him if they can find new sponsors in the coming days.

Catalans wanted Federico Chiesa this summer

Federico Chiesa

Barcelona attempted to sign Federico Chiesa this summer before his move to Liverpool, according to SPORT. The Italian forward was identified as an alternative to Nico Williams.

The Catalans were engaged in talks with Juventus regarding a deal. They proposed a €10m offer which was apparently accepted by the Bianconeri. However, the La Liga giants' poor finances turned out to be a problem. Barcelona offered to pay the €10m fees over a five-year period, which turned Juventus away.

The Catalans also struggled to make space for the Italian in their wage bill. Chiesa had already agreed to a pay cut to facilitate a move to Camp Nou but was unwilling to sign a five-year deal. As such, the move broke down. Liverpool ultimately took advantage of the situation and secured the 26-year-old's services.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals Camp Nou regret

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wishes he could have stayed a little longer at Camp Nou. The Gabon international joined Barcelona from Arsenal as a free agent in January 2022 and was an instant hit at the club.

Aubameyang scored 13 goals and provided one assist from 24 appearances across competitions, earning adulation from fans. However, the Catalans' poor finances forced them to offload him to Chelsea that summer. After a forgettable stint at Stamford Bridge, the 35-year-old joined Marseille in 2023 and finally moved to the Middle East this summer.

Speaking recently, as cited by Barca Universal, Aubameyang insisted that the La Liga giants saved his life.

"Before signing for Barça, I was in depression due to my parents’ health and started drinking a lot. Barça gave me a chance, and I’ll always be grateful. I’ve never enjoyed playing football and going to training so much. I even went to train with the team on off days; that should tell you a lot. It was incredible. I wish I could have stayed for more years," Aubameyang said.

Aubameyang could have been a valuable asset for Barcelona had they managed to keep hold of him.