Barcelona transfer news LIVE updates: All the latest from the Nou Camp
Wednesday, July 18
Andre Gomes deadline
Arsenal could sign Barcelona star Andre Gomes this week, reports from Spain have claimed.
Arsenal want Barcelona star Gomes to sign on the dotted line, with Unai Emery undettered by his nightmare Nou Camp spell.
The Portugal international has struggled for form and consistency during his two years at Barca and, as a result, a parting of the ways is now on the cards.
And Catalan newspaper Sport say Barcelona want Gomes off the books as early as this week.
It is claimed the Gunners do not want to go as high as £18million for the player.
Instead, Arsenal want a cheaper deal and Barcelona, such is their desperation to offload Gomes, may be forced to oblige.
The two clubs are supposedly in talks about a transfer and developments over the next few days could be key.
Aleksandr Golovin
Chelsea look set to win the race for Aleksandr Golovin, who has reportedly chosen the Blues over Barcelona and Juventus.
Chelsea are finally conducting their transfer business after appointing Sarri as Antonio Conte’s successor last week.
Signing Golovin, however, will be no easy task.
Barcelona also want the player as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, who called time on his Nou Camp career last week.
Iniesta has moved to Japan with Vissel Kobe and Barca are trying to offload Andre Gomes to broker a deal for a replacement.
Juventus, meanwhile, are eyeing him as well.
The Serie A giants have enjoyed a fine summer, landing Emre Can and Ronaldo, but know more is needed if they are to end their agonising wait for the Champions League crown.
But Transfermarketweb claim Golovin is close to joining Chelsea.
Andres Iniesta debut
Andres Iniesta could make his J.League debut at the weekend when his new club Vissel Kobe host Shonan Bellmare, the Spaniard said after arriving in Japan today.
The 34-year-old spent 16 years at Barcelona, where he won nine La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and six King’s Cups, before signing for Kobe in May.
Kobe officials said Iniesta would join up with his new team mates for training on Friday before Sunday’s match, Kyodo news agency reported.
“It was a long trip but I had been looking forward to coming to Japan. I’m excited to play with my Vissel team mates,” Kyodo quoted Iniesta as saying after his arrival at Kansai airport, where he was greeted by 300 fans.
“I want to play as soon as possible. I’ll get in top condition for Sunday, and I hope to show the fans great play.”