MX23RW : Monday, January 4 16:02:54| >> :120:4306:4306:

Friday's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup: Erling Braut Haaland, Shkodran Mustafi, Riqui Puig

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Barcelona on Friday, December 25.

The summer transfer window has now closed, shutting the door on one of the most turbulent spells in Barcelona's history.

The Spanish giants were rocked by Lionel Messi's request to leave the club, sparking a bitter contract dispute which ultimately ended with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner reluctantly agreeing to stay for at least another season.

Other notable names such as Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal did leave, though, while Messi's future is sure to be the subject of much more speculation going forward.

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

Friday morning's Barcelona transfer talk news roundup:


Chelsea join race for Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland?

Erling Braut Haaland in action for Borussia Dortmund on November 28, 2020© Reuters

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland.

Despite a recent injury, the Norway international's prolific start to life at the Westfalenstadion has continued into the 2020-21 campaign, with Haaland boasting 17 goals in all competitions for Dortmund this term.

Manchester City have been strongly linked with a swoop for Haaland as Sergio Aguero runs down the final few months of his deal, but the Citizens are expected to face stiff competition for Haaland's signature.

Haaland's father - former Man City defender Alf Inge Haaland - has previously insisted that his son is happy at Dortmund, but 90 min reports that Chelsea are confident about their chances of securing the striker's signature in 2021.

The report claims that the Blues have already touched base with Haaland's entourage to register their interest, with Real Madrid and Barcelona - who have both been tipped to swoop for Haaland - expected to prioritise moves for Kylian Mbappe and Lautaro Martinez respectively.

Dortmund would supposedly demand a nine-figure sum for Haaland, who is tied down to the Bundesliga giants until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.



Barcelona 'rule out move for Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi'

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi pictured in October 2020© Reuters

Barcelona have reportedly ruled out a move for Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, despite his agent confirming talks between the two parties.

Mustafi has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta this season, playing just 44 minutes of Premier League football despite the Gunners' poor form in the top flight.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium next summer and is able to open talks with foreign clubs over a free transfer from January.

Mustafi's agent Emre Ozturk confirmed that he was holding talks with Barcelona over a possible deal, but Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have since denied any interest in signing the defender.

The report claims that Barcelona only held the meeting as a 'courtesy' and are not planning a move for the Germany international.

Arsenal are thought to be keen to offload Mustafi in January in order to recoup some element of transfer fee rather than losing him on a free next summer.


More transfer news from Barcelona:

Shkodran Mustafi agent confirms Barcelona talks
Shkodran Mustafi's agent reveals that talks have been held with Barcelona over a possible deal for the out-of-favour Arsenal man in 2021. Read more.

Manchester City looking to poach Riqui Puig from Barcelona?
Manchester City and Bayern Munich reportedly both hold an interest in Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig, who is out of contract in Catalonia next summer. Read more.

ID:427941:cQx

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig pictured in action in August 2019
Read Next:
Man City looking to poach Riqui Puig from Barcelona?
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico1512212962338
2Real Madrid17113330151536
3Real Sociedad1886427131430
4Villarreal177822217529
5Barcelona1684430151528
6Sevilla158341811727
7Granada167361925-624
8Celta Vigo176562224-223
9Athletic Bilbao176381919021
10Real Betis176292031-1120
11EibarEibar174761416-219
12CadizCadiz165471120-919
13AlavesAlaves174671520-518
14Levante164662123-218
15Real Valladolid174671624-818
16Getafe164571217-517
17ElcheElche153751318-516
18Valencia163672224-215
19Osasuna163581525-1014
20Huesca171971426-1212

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!