FC Barcelona are looking to reinforce their midfield before going into the next season and have identified several targets to bring to Camp Nou for this purpose. Ilkay Gundogan is the most prominent target being pursued by Barcelona, but there are several other targets too.
One such target is the Argentine Giovani Lo Celso. Xavi wants to have a creative midfielder in his squad in order to improve the team’s chance creation and help Lewandowski in the final third of the pitch, and Lo Celso’s good technique in making inside passes makes him particularly suitable for such a role.
According to Mundo Deportivo, it is not only Xavi who is convinced with Lo Celso’s abilities, but the fans and the club administration are also looking forward to getting a player of his quality and abilities. Thus, a consensus is being developed at the club regarding the arrival of the Argentine, particularly in the boardroom, ever since Xavi has brought up the player to the board’s notice.
The player has already impressed playing in Spain, with his stints at Real Betis and Villareal. With Villareal, the player made 22 La Liga appearances last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
One factor that can facilitate Barcelona in a move for the Argentine is his relative lack of importance for his club, Tottenham. Despite paying €50 million for him in 2019, Tottenham have been unable to properly use the midfielder, and the player was on loan at Villareal for the last two seasons.
Now, as his loan with Villareal ends, Barcelona can approach Tottenham with another loan offer for the Argentine, if they are unable to buy the player permanently. On the other hand, if Barcelona want to get him permanently, they can use Clement Lenglet as a bargaining chip, as the London club is interested in signing the Frenchman.
