Transfer Centre

Friday's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup: Lautaro Martinez, Junior Firpo, Carles Alena

By Andy Brent, Reporter | 17 July 2020

Friday's Barcelona transfer talk: Martinez, Firpo, Alena

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Barcelona on Friday, July 17.

The buildup to the summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Barcelona eye possible reinforcements.

The Spanish champions spent big on Antoine Griezmann during the summer but missed out on a big-name striker in January, leading to speculation that they could splash the cash again when the window reopens.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news from the Camp Nou.

Friday morning's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City 'interested in Nicolas Tagliafico'

Nicolas Tagliafico in action for Ajax on February 20, 2020

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old recently suggested that he would be leaving his Dutch club ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, and a number of clubs are believed to be in the hunt for his signature.

Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are just three of the teams to be linked with the Argentina international, who could allegedly be available for a figure in the region of £22m.

However, according to Argentinean journalist Lucas Scagliola, City have also identified the left-back as a potential transfer target in the upcoming market.

Tagliafico enjoyed an impressive 2019-20 campaign for Ajax, scoring five times and contributing seven assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.

The defender's current contract in Amsterdam has little under two years left to run.

Barcelona 'make Carles Alena decision'

Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Carles Alena celebrate the opening goal against Alaves on April 23, 2019

Carles Alena has reportedly been informed by Barcelona that he will be a part of the club's first-team squad during the 2020-21 campaign.

The 22-year-old struggled for action at Camp Nou in the first half of the current season and was subsequently sent on loan to Real Betis, where he has made 17 appearances.

Alena is due to return to the Catalan giants this summer, and a recent report claimed that the midfielder has turned down the chance to join an unnamed Premier League club ahead of next season.

The Spain Under-21 international allegedly rejected the offer from England as he is determined to fight for his spot at Barca, and according to Mundo Deportivo, he will be a part of the club's first-team squad next term.

The report claims that Quique Setien is a huge admirer of the La Masia graduate and would not have sanctioned the loan exit of the midfielder had he been in charge at that moment in time.

Alena has contributed one goal in 15 La Liga appearances for Betis.

More transfer news from Barcelona:

Arsenal 'cannot afford to sign Philippe Coutinho'
Arsenal will not be able to afford to sign Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Barcelona make breakthrough in Lautaro Martinez talks?

Barcelona are reportedly well placed to conclude a deal for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, providing that Junior Firpo moves in the opposite direction. Read more.