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Barcelona Boss Valverde Targets Man United & Arsenal Stars as Replacements for Andre Gomes

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Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is looking at Man United pair Ander Herrera and Juan Mata as potential transfer targets, as well as Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, as he looks for an upgrade on current midfielder Andre Gomes.

According to Diario Gol, the trio could are on the shortlist as possible replacements for Gomes, who could depart in the summer after failing to light up Camp Nou since his 2016 arrival from Valencia.

The Portugal midfielder is, according to the report anyway, not the most popular in the dressing room, while he has undoubtedly flattered to deceive since his €35m plus add-ons switch.

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With Gomes' underwhelming form and Andres Iniesta into his 30s, the need to strengthen in the middle of the park has become a priority for Valverde and the Barça hierarchy, who have put Herrera and Mata on his list as potential future targets. 

Herrera worked with the current boss Valverde during his time in Bilbao, but hasn't managed to hold down a first team spot at Old Trafford this season, whilst fellow Spaniard Mata's contract runs out in the summer and there has been no signs of a new deal so far.

Meanwhile, Ozil is another alternative for a switch to Catalonia, with the German midfielder's contract at Arsenal set to expire in in the summer of the 2018. The Gunners could even sell as early as January, in order not to forfeit a transfer fee on one of their most valuable assets.

Other reports suggest that Arsenal, who also have to deal with the issue of Alexis Sanchez's expiring contract, will make retaining Ozil their top priority and will look to raise funds in January in order to give him an extended deal.