Xavi discusses two key FC Barcelona targets – report

Heading into a transformative phase, Barcelona are keen on rebuilding certain areas of the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window. After the approval from La Liga for the proposed feasibility plan, transfer operations can finally be carried out.

In an interview with Jijantes, Xavi spoke about the current situation at the club as well as the Catalans’ targets in the market. Joshua Kimmich and Roque have surfaced as potential names linked with a move. Xavi has not disputed the team’s interest in Roque and claims ‘control’ over the situation of the Brazilian attacker:

We’re in control as we’re well informed on the situation for Victor, we are keeping control. Our financial situation will be crucial to understand what’s gonna happen with Vitor deal.

Roque has enjoyed a spectacular rise in the Brazilian league, with a reported €45M price tag. However, Barcelona hope to either secure a loan deal or pay the 18-year-old’s transfer fee in installments.

On the other hand, Kimmich continues to be one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders. The German has been lauded highly by Xavi, despite obvious complications to acquire him.

I talked to him in Qatar, we met at an event and he said he was a fan of me. He is under contract with Bayern so it depends on him — look at Lewy for example, he wanted to come.

The puppet master also claimed that, “We have to prioritize our transfer targets based on the club’s economic situation. First off, we have to sign a pivot. After that, a playmaker. For the rest, we’ll have to see how much we can afford.”

With Kimmich qualifying as a pivot, he garners great consensus among the board members. However, before making moves for transfers, the Catalan giants must first execute a number of exit operations as this is a requirement laid out by the Feasibility Plan.

Barcelona are in for a long summer. With the signing of Inigo Martinez already closed and Gundogan a real possibility, ensuring the exit door is not left barren is now important.