While Barcelona's summer transfer window came close to the Blaugrana's fans staging a coup to rid the club of president Josep Bartomeu, the La Liga giants are at least looking ahead to conducting a more straightforward January window.
Barca infamously lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain while failing to secure a deal to bring Marco Verratti the other way, eventually settling on a £40 million deal for Tottenham flop Paulinho to bolster Ernesto Valverde's midfield.
A deal for Philippe Coutinho could not be reached, with Liverpool proving to be resolutely stubborn towards the club who lured Luis Suarez away from them three years ago. However, over £100 million was spent on bringing Ousmane Dembele to the Camp Nou, just over a year after the French winger had been available to the Catalan club for just £5 million.
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Another target Barca identified but failed to land was Nice's Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael Seri.
However, manager Ernesto Valverde may not have to wait much longer to have the 26-year-old at his disposal, with Barca reportedly ready to sign the Ivory Coast international in three months time.
Firstly, however, the Catalan club will need to finalise the exit of Arda Turan, who now seems certain to leave the Camp Nou.
If all goes according to plan for Barcelona in January, Turan will be waving goodbye to the Camp Nou. Images: PA
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The former Turkey captain has never properly settled in Catalonia since his move from Atletico Madrid two years ago and has been deemed surplus to requirements by Valverde.
SPORT are reporting that Turan will look to move to the cash cow that is the Chinese Super League, this winter, freeing up funds and squad space for Barca to add Seri to their ranks.
The Spanish newspaper also claim that Seri is desperate to sign for the La Liga giants, which Barca hope will make negotiations to bring the Ivorian to the Camp Nou relatively painless.
Seri is reportedly desperate to join Barca and may just get his wish in January. Image: PA
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However, given Barca's recent luck in the transfer market, don't be surprised if this all falls apart in January and they end up making an emergency move for Abou Diaby.
(H/T SPORT)
Topics: Arda Turan, Football, Barcelona