FC Barcelona are yet to finalize a deal for their next midfield pivot who fulfills the criteria set by Xavi, despite being in contact with a number of candidates. The club has been associated with a number of players who can play in this role, but an agreement between any of these players and the club remains elusive.
According to SPORT, it is becoming clearer to the club that it would be difficult to obtain a new player for this role this summer. As a result, Xavi has given his assent for the proposed swap deal between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, which will see Fracnk Kessie join the Serie A side, while Marcelo Brozovic will join the Catalan club.
The option of a Kessie-Brozovic swap deal emerged in the winter transfer window as well when Inter Milan inquired about the midfielder from FC Barcelona. The Blaugranes dismissed this interest at that time, but remained the door open for a swap deal involving Brozovic.
The Croatian player himself was keen for a move to Camp Nou, but Inter avoided such a deal as they believed the valuations of Kessie and Brozovic did not quite meet.
Now Xavi has once again presented a number of candidates for the next pivot of the club, but as most of these names are difficult to bring to Camp Nou, the club could push for this deal.
However, the operation is currently at a standstill, as there are no guarantees that Barcelona would be able to register the player once he has been signed. Furthermore, the Croat’s age and high wages are also a stumbling point for the Catalan club.
Still, the two clubs are expected to meet in the coming weeks, as Inter are interested in several Barcelona players, including Kessie and Eric Garcia. As the San Siro-based side going through a difficult financial period, it would propose swaps, which may involve Brozovic, or another player, with Dumfries already having been offered to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona are intent on selling Kessie for a figure around €35 million. If such an offer does not arrive, Barcelona would not rush into a sale with smaller figures, and would rather keep the player for the coming season.
