Rumor round-up: De Ligt clue, Mata desire, Lacazette option

The latest in the transfer market

De Ligt clue

The transfer of Matthijs de Ligt to Barcelona is inching closer. Mundo Deportivo and Diario SPORT are both talking about it in their frontpage today, because RAI Sport has echoed a story published earlier on CalcioMercato.com. The story says that Ajax’s director, Marc Overmars, let slip to Juventus that De Ligt was on his way to Barcelona. The report originally came out last month so things may have changed, but for the moment it’s seen as a hint. Another hint? The picture of De Ligt going grocery shopping with his Ajax teammate, Frenkie de Jong, who is joining Barça next summer. Are the two inseparable?

Mata desire

Manchester United’s Juan Mata is turning down renewals in the hopes of signing for Barcelona, according to SPORT. Negotiations between Barcelona and Mata are said to be frozen until the club’s fate in the UEFA Champions League this season is known. Mata reportedly wants a two year deal with an option for a third. Mata, 31, would arrive on a free transfer and SPORT says he will not ask for more than 5 million euro a year in salary.

Lacazette option

The Daily Express says that Barcelona are impressed with Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and would be willing to pay 70 million euro to sign him this summer. Lacazette has had a good season with the Gunners and their manager, Unai Emery, is said to be unwilling to part with him. However, the report says Barça will try their best anyway, even though no formal offer has yet been made. Another possible factor is Lacazette’s friendship with Barcelona’s director, Éric Abidal.

Source: barcablaugranes.com