Rumors: New striker wanted, Rakitic & Alena to leave, new deals for Semedo and MATS

A check on the latest gossip

Barca want Mbappé, Kane, Rashford or Lautaro

Today’s rumors start with news that Barcelona want a top striker to replace Luis Suarez at the club.

Mundo Deportivo report that Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Lautaro Martinez are all on Barca’s wanted list.

The Catalan giants are apparently willing to spend big despite signing Antoine Griezmann in the summer and the emergence of Ansu Fati.

New deals for Semedo and MATS

Barcelona have made new deals for Nelson Semedo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen one of their top priorities, according to AS.

The duo are currently on contracts that run until 2022, but they have proven so valuable to the team that Barcelona want to reward them with improved deals.

Barcelona’s focus going forwards is on youth apparently, and they see Semedo and MATS as key players in their future along with stars such as Frenkie de Jong, Clement Lenglet, Arthur, Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati.

Barcelona want a right-back

Yet Barcelona also want to bring in a new right-back, but they will probably not make a move in the January transfer window, so say Marca.

Ernesto Valverde is keen to use Sergi Roberto in midfield which leaves only Semedo and Moussa Wague as options at right-back.

Wague is yet to feature for the club this season, although he may get a chance to impress when the Copa del Rey kicks into action.

Rakitic to leave in January

Over at Sport the word is that Ivan Rakitic could well be on his way out of Barcelona when January swings around.

The club believe it is time to cash in on the Croatian and reckon they will get more money for him in January than next summer when he has only a year left on his deal.

Inter Milan and Manchester United look the most likely destinations, with Rakitic having admitted recently he’s not happy on the bench.

Alena to join Rakitic in Barcelona exit

Mundo Deportivo have a similar story but they reckon that Carles Alena could join Rakitic in waving goodbye to the Camp Nou.

Both players have barely featured this season and look destined to stay on the bench after the arrival of Frenkie de Jong.

Barca trust Araujo and Todibo

And finally today MD are also reporting that Barcelona are more than happy with young central defenders Ronald Araujo and Jean-Clair Todibo and so won’t bother trying to sign another centre-back just yet.

They are willing to give the duo time to prove themselves and are hopeful they can go on and enjoy successful futures at the club. The club were impressed with Todibo against Sevilla, while they like Araujo’s power and aggression.

Reinforcements may be needed at some point. Gerard Pique turned 32 in February, while Samuel Umtiti’s injury problems are something of a concern.

Source: barcablaugranes.com