Saturday's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup: Nicolas Tagliafico, Carles Alena, Lionel Messi

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.

Saturday morning's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup:

Chelsea to battle Manchester City for Nicolas Tagliafico deal?

© Reuters

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to battle Manchester City for the signature of Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old recently suggested that he would be on the move ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in his services.

Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have previously been strongly linked with the Argentina international, while a recent report claimed that Man City were also in the hunt for his signature.

However, according to The Sun, Chelsea are also interested in the South American as they weigh up alternatives to Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, who could be priced out of a summer move.

Tagliafico, who scored five times and contributed seven assists in 38 outings for Ajax during the 2019-20 campaign, could allegedly be available for around £22m in the upcoming market.

Frank Lampard's side are said to be seeking a new left-back as Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri continue to be linked with exits.

Lionel Messi demands change across "entire club" at "weak" Barcelona

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Lionel Messi has called for major changes at Barcelona after they conceded the La Liga title to Real Madrid on Thursday evening.

While Real Madrid battled their way to a 2-1 victory over Villarreal, Barcelona suffered a surprise reverse by the same scoreline against Osasuna at Camp Nou.

After his club's latest setback, Messi described Barcelona as "a weak team", suggesting that significant changes should be made both on and off the pitch over the coming months.

In a television interview, the Argentine said: "We didn't expect to finish in this way, but it sums up the year for us.

"We are a weak team who can be beaten with enough intensity and enthusiasm. We have lost a lot of points which we shouldn't have done. We have been very inconsistent.

"We need to be self-critical, starting with the players, but also across the entire club. We are Barcelona, and we are obliged to win every game."

With less than a year remaining on his contract, Messi has been linked with a transfer away from Barcelona at the end of next season, effectively putting the pressure on high-profile figures behind the scenes to deliver on the 33-year-old's requests.

More transfer news from Barcelona:

Manchester City 'interested in Nicolas Tagliafico'
Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico emerges as a transfer target for Manchester City, according to a report. Read more.

Barcelona 'make Carles Alena decision'
Carles Alena will be part of Barcelona's first-team squad during the 2020-21 campaign, according to a report. Read more.