The transfer window is closed until January but that doesn’t keep the rumour mill churning as clubs look to get a leg up on potential transfers.
Here are three big stories dominating the headlines on Sunday.
Will any of the following deals happen?
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ARTHUR PLAYS DOWN PHOTO WITH BARCA HIERARCHY
Gremio star Arthur has denied he is on the brink of agreeing a deal with Barcelona, despite images emerging of the 21-year-old being pictured in a Blaugrana shirt with the club’s directors.
After helping the Brazilian side to their first Copa Libertadores trophy since 1995 last week, Arthur met with Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez and other representatives in Porto Alegre on Friday.
The Spanish giants’ hierarchy had earlier watched the dynamic attacking midfielder in action and reportedly, according to Diario Sport, held talks to bring him to the Camp Nou in the near future.
Arthur, who will miss the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the UAE through injury, has though come out and denied a switch to La Liga is imminent.
“You can be sure that my heart and my positive energy will be with the family that our team has become,” Arthur, who has a release clause of €50 million and has been touted as a big summer signing for Barcelona, said.
“I respect this institution, who have been helping me every day since I was 14.
“I will never leave the club through the back door, this is my home.”
At this moment nothing is official, but in my opinion it is extremely hard that Barcelona fail to sign Arthur. It’s clear that they want him, and I can’t see a 21-yo turning them down when they seem to value him this much.
His release clause is €50M. pic.twitter.com/pWSk3Ruu2G
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) December 2, 2017
RATING: 8/10
VERDICT
While Gremio are set to report Barcelona for alleged tapping up of their star player, it is no secret that Barca want to sign Arthur. The talent, who is comfortable in either the No.8 or No.10 midfield roles, is in high demand and is expected to star at next year’s World Cup in Russia. That all means it will be tough for the King of Cups side to keep hold of their star.
Hot prospect: Arthur.
THE END IS NIGH FOR MASCHERANO
Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has all but confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The experienced defensive all-rounder is now not first choice in Ernesto Valverde’s line-up and will reportedly leave in the summer following seven trophy-laden years in Spain.
Despite still having a contract until 2019, according to Catalunya Radio, he is plotting a fresh challenge after next year’s World Cup in Russia.
RATING: 8/10
VERDICT
The 33-year-old recently admitted in an interview with ESPN that he felt his time at Barca was coming towards an end.
Given the club are linked with the likes of Arthur and Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, it seems as if it will be the best move for all parties.
Stalwart: The Argentine has been at Barca since 2010.
REAL MADRID SQUAD ISN’T WEAKER THIS SEASON – ISCO
Los Blancos playmaker Isco believes the Whites’ squad is just as strong as last season’s double-winning set of stars – and feels the club don’t necessarily need to dip into the market in January.
It has been a tough season so far for the reigning La Liga and Champions League holders, who have failed to discover their spark of 2016-17.
Despite this, former Malaga man Isco is confident Real have the players to turn the season around and fight on all fronts.
Speaking after the goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night, the 25-year-old said: “Our squad is just as competitive as last year, and we haven’t had all of the squad available yet because of injuries and that’s important.
“Last year we scored in the last few minutes and we are missing a bit of luck.
“Now we have to very important games and the Club World Cup, it’s an opportunity to gain confidence and recoup points.”
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT
While there are plenty of rumours club president Florentino Perez will give Zinedine Zidane a January transfer window warchest to spend, there is no certainty the Frenchman will spend it.
And, according to Isco, that would be a wise move. Injuries to the likes of Gareth Bale have of course unsettled everyone at the club but the Whites midfielder is really putting faith in his current charges judging by his remarks.
Isco’s performances have been criticised of late.
