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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.

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Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig pictured in action in August 2019
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Valencia142481322-910
20Real ValladolidValladolid1623111134-239


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