The season-ending ACL injury to Gavi has altered Barcelona’s plans for the January transfer window, with the La Liga champions now exploring the possibility of signing a midfielder.
Given the long-term nature of Gavi’s injury, La Liga regulations allow the Blaugrana to make an emergency signing, subject to some conditions, despite the club exceeding the Fair Play limit.
A number of players are being looked at but recent reports suggested that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez wants Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as his preferred option.
Lo Celso has had a limited role with Spurs this season and given his past experience in La Liga, coupled with his profile, Barcelona see him as a viable target for a January loan deal.
Tottenham will not Lo Celso leave
However, as per Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur will reject any approach that Barcelona plan on making for Lo Celso during the January transfer window.
Even though the Argentine, whose market value stands at €14 million, has hardly featured for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, Spurs expect that to change in the second half of the campaign.
That is because the Lilywhites have lost James Maddison to an ankle injury, with the Englishman expected to be out of action at least until January.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will also not be without Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma for an extended period as the duo will travel to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
As such, Spurs expect Lo Celso’s role to improve in the weeks and months to come and have no interest in letting him leave amid Barcelona’s interest.
What are Barcelona’s other options?
If Lo Celso’s name is off the table, Barcelona could look at Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara, who is in the final year of his contract with the Reds.
Other names such as Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis) and Dani Parejo (Villarreal) are also potential targets.
On the contrary, Xavi could just decide to rely more on Fermin Lopez and use more academy talents like Aleix Garrido or Marc Bernal if necessary.
