Barcelona boss Xavi not giving up on the pursuit of out-of-favour Man City star – report

Amidst the ongoing financial instability at Barcelona, the club have prioritized the most urgent positions of the squad.

With Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival set to fill a void in midfield, the priorities now include a defensive midfielder and a backup striker.

A left-winger has also been mentioned if Ferran Tores and Ansu Fati hit the exit door. Still, their departure is looking seemingly unlikely and the demands of the team would change, if they stay or if only one ultimately departs.

Now, according to AS, with Ferran and Ansu unwilling to budge, the Blaugrana board does not rule out the arrival of a right-back as well, opening the doors for a low-cost operation on the right-hand side.

Xavi hopes to integrate more competition and relieve Kounde from his full-back duties. As such he is not giving up on his pursuit of a new right-back despite the delicate financial situation.

And the report states that Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo has emerged as a viable option, with the Portuguese garnering consensus from Xavi and his coaching staff. The Catalans wish to sign him on a season-long loan deal with a potential purchase clause.

The operation is seemingly more feasible considering Pep Guardiola has established that Manchester City will not obstruct his former player’s exit. However, it has been suggested previously that the European champions would prefer a direct sale.

Apart from the alleged issues related to the player’s attitude, Cancelo would fit the bill in the right-back department, offering a profile that Xavi likes.

Recent reports also claimed that Valladolid right-back Iván Fresneda, is another affordable option that the Blaugrana are considering. In any event, Borussia Dortmund appears to have been making strong moves for him lately.

Even so, Fresneda has shown a desire to wait for Barcelona and is willing to join them. If the Catalans manage to clear exits, his arrival will be a lot more plausible. Between him and Cancelo, the club will have to make a choice.

Despite difficulties financially, with reports that Xavi is not abandoning the pursuit a right-back, the player that will be breathing the biggest sigh of relief would be Kounde, who would prove to be the biggest benefactor from the inclusion of a more naturally suited player for the position.