Barcelona will look to sign 27-year-old Argentine star if they fail in Ilkay Gundogan pursuit - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso if they fail to sign their top target Ilkay Gundogan.
According to Spanish journalist Luis Rojo (via Reshad Rahman), the Blaugrana could make Lo Celso an option if they're unable to sign Gundogan. Xavi's side are interested in the Manchester City midfielder, who's set to become a free agent at the end of this month, as things stand.
However, Barcelona reportedly have fears that Gundogan will extend his deal with City, which expires on June 30. The German captained his side to a historic treble in the recently concluded season, winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
If Gundogan extends his deal at the Etihad, the Blaugrana may turn to Lo Celso. The 27-year-old Argentine midfielder impressed in season while on loan at fellow La Liga side Villarreal. He scored two goals and provided three assists in 29 games across competitions.
Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be an admirer of the midfielder, who could be available this summer. Lo Celso is set to return to Tottenham after his loan spell at the Yellow Submarine comes to an end this summer.
However, Lo Celso faces an uphill battle in breaking into Ange Postecoglou's midfield as Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre Emile Hojberg are undisputed starters following impressive showings this season.
A move for the Argentina international could come to fruition if their pursuit of Gundogan fails. He has two years left in his contract with Spurs and is valued by Transfermarkt at €15 million.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente heaps praise on Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Gavi
Spain beat Italy 2-1 on Thursday (June 15) to advance to the final of the UEFA Nations League. Barcelona pair Ansu Fati and Gavi both featured and caught the eye as La Roja marched on in the European competition.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was impressed by what he saw from the Barca duo. He was pleased with Gavi's display, with the 18-year-old performing well in the middle of the park (via Barca Blaugranas):
“I am very happy with what he gave us in the last game, and he will give us more in the future, today and tomorrow. He will have a great game if he plays.”
De la Fuente continued by touching on Fati's club situation as speculation grows over his future. He said that he sees a player who's happy and integrating well into the Spain team:
“I see him happy, recovering sensations that he had not had in the past. Sharing joy and totally integrated. On the field I see him looking forward to recovering the sensations of the past. Hopefully it will be tomorrow.”
Gavi made one key pass and completed two of three dribble attempts. He played 68 minutes of La Roja's win. Meanwhile, Fati came on in the 74th minute and made one key pass, and didn't look fazed by transfer talk.