Barça preparing to make a move for Andre Gomes
Andre Gomes has been on Barça's radar for quite some time and the club believes now is the right time to negotiate his transfer to the Camp Nou.
His signing isn't seen as a priority but he's a player who fits the mould of both the required quality and technical skills.
The Blaugrana have asked Valencia about Gomes' availability and the latter are willing to consider letting the player leave the Estadio de Mestalla. There has already been contact made between the sporting directors of the clubs and there are options that can facilitate a lower fee.
Los Che are asking for 40 million euros - Gomes' buy-out clause - which Barça believe is too high. In recent weeks, Valencia have been negotiating with Juventus to sell the 22-year-old, but the Bianconeri only wanted to pay 25 million and thus ended the talks.
Relations between Barça and Valencia are very good and both Alen Halilovic and Cristian Tello could go the other way as part of the deal and thus decrease Gomes' price tag. In Tello's case, however, Fiorentina are already asking the Blaugrana to retain his services and there is a purchase option of 12 million euros from his loan contract last season that could see him join the Viola permanently.
Barça are also not ruling out the possibility of Arda Turan leaving Catalonia. The Turk endured a difficult opening season with the club and Barça won't force anything just yet, but if a substantial offer is put on the table where they can recover a significant amount of money then they would be open to letting him go.
Luis Enrique has admired Gomes since Valencia's first game at the Camp Nou, acknowledging his strong abilities both in and without possession. Robert Fernandez, the club's sporting director, has also seen the player live on numerous occasions.
Gomes is happy to sign for Barça and dreams of winning titles in club football. Valencia have gone through testing times recently and the former Benfica man understands the great opportunity ahead of him with the Blaugrana.
