FC Barcelona Rumors Central (from L to R): Neymar, Lionel Messi, Diego Costa, and Ezequiel Lavezzi. (Photo : Getty Images)
FC Barcelona is playing without superstar forward Lionel Messi, who is still nursing a torn left knee internal collateral ligament, since September 26 and Luis Enrique's boys are looking edgy in domestic and continental competitions so far.
Injuries to other key players such as Rafinha, Andres Iniesta, Thomas Vermaelen, and Adriano, plus the departure of Pedro to Premier League club Chelsea this summer, made Enrique's lineup much thinner in recent weeks, which is why several transfer rumors about Barça had been swirling these days.
Here are some of the latest rumors.
Neymar 'sick' of being Messi's sidekick in Camp Nou, Eyes Move To Manchester United: This rumor is out since before the summer window ceased and while it is confirmed that United actually "put a £139m bid" for the Seleção captain, Barça is keen on keeping the second head of their three-headed offensive monster consisting also of Messi and Luis Suarez.
Latest reports say that the 23-year-old Brazilian wants out of Camp Nou as he may never get out of Messi's shadow and hit his goal of being the world's foremost footballer if he stays there.
Spanish football analysts also say that Barcelona may have a hard time keeping both players especially now that Neymar demands an improved contract that is closer to that of Messi's. Verdict: Fact.
Enrique eyes Chelsea's Diego Costa in January: The talented 27-year-old Brazilian is in the crosshairs of the Barcelona manager this winter transfer window as he tries to add depth in his squad plagued by injuries.
With Costa not playing up to is full potential with Jose Mourinho at the Stamford Bridge, it looks like his return to Spain is inevitable. Verdict: Fact.
Arsenal to rival Barça for Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi: Enrique is evidently not the only manager who is in need of more scorers in his lineup as Arsene Wenger reportedly plans to compete with Blaugrana for the services of the 30-year-old PSG winger come the January window.
Aside from the Gunners, fellow La Liga clubs Valencia and Sevilla are also interested in the Argentina international and it remain to be seen which team he will end up playing next year. Verdict: Fact.
