Real Betis make formal approach for Barcelona target that Xavi really likes

Barcelona face Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy game in less than a month. Ironically, the two clubs are in contact over transfer operations more than meets the eye.

The Catalans hope to offload Clement Lenglet to the English side in the coming days. The French star spent the past season on loan in London and interests the club as a candidate to move permanently.

Barcelona, in turn, have their eyes on Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine will continue to participate in Spurs’ pre-season for now, but it is well-known that the Blaugranas have him on their radar as a possible alternative for their primary midfield target Bernardo Silva.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Villarreal, leaving a positive impression with his abilities in the middle of the park. Xavi Hernandez is in love with the player’s profile and sees him as the perfect addition to his already daunting midfield.

Despite their strong interest in the Argentine, Barcelona have been unable to make a move so far owing to their tight finances. Their inability to make a move has opened the doors for other clubs, and Real Betis appear to have capitalised.

According to reports from SPORT, Los Verdiblancos have pounced on their chance and have already made a formal approach to bring Lo Celso on loan to Benito Villamarin. The ball is now in Barcelona’s court to try and push forth a proposal for a similar loan deal.

It still remains largely unclear if Tottenham place Lo Celso on the transfer market given that the new manager Ange Postecoglou has not had a chance to see the midfielder in action yet. Needless to say, the deal largely hinges on the English club’s decision.

With Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of him in the pecking order, Lo Celso could find minutes hard to come by at Barcelona. Yet, Xavi remains keen on adding another creative midfielder to his ranks and it remains to be seen if the Blaugrana do make a push for the Argentine international.