According to reports from Marca yesterday evening, Marc Bartra has dismissed reports suggesting he could leave Barcelona this summer.
The 6 foot centre-back is highly rated at the Nou Camp, emerging as a first team regular during the 2013/14 season to register 30 appearances in all competitions whilst also picking up five caps for Spain.
But he’s struggled for game time since the appointment of Luis Enrique as Nou Camp boss last summer, going on to make just 11 starts in La Liga.
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Liverpool and Tottenham were both linked to the 24 year old last month – after a clause in his contract based on minutes in the Spanish top flight reduced his buy-out fee to just £7.1million until July 1st – whilst The Express mooted Arsenal and Napoli as potential suitors earlier this week.
The British tabloid even claimed Bartra was in advanced negotiations with the Serie A outfit, but the defender has now insisted otherwise.
As quoted by Marca, he said; “Every year people say the same things, but staying at Barca was [and remains] the only thing on my mind. I have it all here. Feeling important in a team like this one is special.”
It follows comments from Bartra made during Barcelona’s pre-season tour of America. As reported by the club’s official website, he said; “In my head it has always been about playing at Barca; it’s the best place for me to be. I feel loved by the fans and the club.”