FC Barcelona Transfers: Fabregas, Bale and 6 Players Who Could Make Barca Better

Barcelona has built a brilliant team through their youth academy, and their passing game is arguably the best in the world. Under the astute stewardship of Pep Guardiola, the team has conquered all trophies and have been extremely successful in the last three years. Their youth academy, the famous La Masia, is one of the major reasons why they have so many brilliant performers who have no problems in adjusting to the team's passing philosophy.

Though Barcelona's first team consists of a number of La Masia graduates, the Catalan club has shown their power in the transfer market by signing a number of big names in the last few years. They have also made some marquee signings like Zlatan Ibrahamovic, on loan to Milan, and Javier Mascherano. They've shown their power to challenge in the transfer market.

The Blaugrana will make efforts to sign some of the best players in the world who can take the club to greater heights. They have an extremely strong team, but some excellent players could improve the quality of the team even further. These players could provide additional depth to this brilliant team.

Cesc Fabregas is a former Barcelona youth player who joined the Gunners at the age of 16. Under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, the midfielder has developed into a world class player and is currently the Captain for Arsenal. Though he has professed his love to return to Barcelona, he has also stated that he will be dignified throughout his transfer saga.

Barcelona has been making efforts to sign the Spanish world cup winner, making an official bid last summer. However, Arsenal stood firm in their decision to not enter into any transfer negotiations regarding Fabregas, crushing the Blaugrana's hopes of a possible transfer last season. But the Catalan club are expected to make a bid to sign the Arsenal captain this summer. His signing would provide a huge boost to the dominance of Barcelona.

Xavi and Iniesta have formed arguably the world's deadliest partnership in midfield. With Sergio Busquests completing the midfield, Fabregas might not be a regular in the side. But over the course of the season, he will have an important role to play if injuries do affect Barcelona.

Besides, with Xavi into his thirties, Barcelona might be looking at Fabregas as his heir, giving him a year or so to transition into the club. 

Gareth Bale has been impressive in the last two seasons, firmly establishing himself among the best wingers in the world. He has tormented many right backs—including seasoned campaigners like Maicon of Inter Milan—and can be extremely effective for Barcelona. The most important thing is that he can also play quite well at Left Back, which has been a position of rotation for the club.

With Abidal currently recovering from the operation and his future in doubt according to the club, Barcelona might look to make Bale as a transfer target. His signing could add more pace and versatility to the club. His manager, Harry Redknapp, has maintained that Bale's best position in the long term is as a left back.

The Welshman is Tottenham's prized asset—and the Spanish club will have to shell out the money required to beat the competition from the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan.

Samir Nasri joined the Gunners from Marseille for a transfer fee of around £12.5 million. Though he produced glimpses of his talent, he was not consistent in his first two seasons at the club. However, since then, he has matured into a superb player this season and has established himself as one of the best attacking players in the game.

He has only one year left on his contract, something the Blaugrana will look to take advantage of. Nasri can play in various positions across the midfield, and his versatility would certainly provide depth for Barcelona. However, with attacking players of the calibre of Villa and Pedro, Nasri could struggle to find playing time if he does sign for Barcelona.

Though he has only one year on his contract, there are indications that he would sign a long term deal with the Gunners in the summer to end all speculation concerning his future. Arsene Wenger shares an excellent relationship with Nasri, and the French influence in the Arsenal team could also play a part in convincing the midfielder to stay with the club.

Javier Pastore is one of the players linked with Barcelona in the last few months, following an impressive performance for Palermo. He is a bright young prospect at only 21 years of age and has a great future ahead of him. Barcelona will want to secure the services of the Argentine to increase the quality of the youth in their team.

Pastore has been likened to several world class players like Kaka, and the Argentine International has been tracked by a number of clubs. Manchester United is reported to be closing in on the youngster as they search to find an impressive replacement for Paul Scholes—a player in the twilight of his career.

He has performed extremely well for Palermo, earning him a place in the World Cup squad in Argentina. Lionel Messi has praised him for his impressive performances, and he could be a great signing for the La Liga club.

Barcelona is reportedly struggling to negotiate the terms of the new contract with Dani Alves, who has threatened to leave the club in the past. The Brazilian has been integral to the club's success in recent history, and the Blaugrana will try to hold on to the right back. Another right back, Van der Wiel, has been linked with the Spanish giants in the past and could be tempted if they do make an official offer.

Van Der Wiel impressed in the World Cup for the Netherlands, providing a good attacking outlet as well as being solid in defense. He has good technical ability with great potential to be one of the world's best right backs. At the age of 23, he has already made over 100 league appearances for Ajax and is also a regular on the Dutch team.

Barcelona and a few other clubs are reportedly interested in signing the Dutchman. If Alves does sign a new contract, then it is unlikely that Barcelona will try to sign Van der Wiel if they don't get a bargain.

Jan Vertonghen is another Ajax youth product who has impressed in recent seasons for his club. Vertonghen has also made a number of appearances for the Belgium National team. Since then, he's been tracked by a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, and is touted to move from the Dutch club within the next two seasons.

He has good technical ability and can bring out the ball from defense, a requirement for Barcelona defenders. Additionally, he can play as a holding midfielder or as a left back in addition to his primary role as a centre back. His versatility provides depth to the Blaugrana, who are currently short of central defenders (due to the unfortunate tumor of Eric Abidal and the injury to Carles Puyol.)

At the age of 23, he can produce high quality performances for another decade—the club that signs the Belgian would benefit from his presence in defense.