Barcelona misfit open to joining Inter Milan, Xavi yet to decide on transfer – Romano

Speaking on CBS Soccer’s House of Champions Podcast, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie would be open to joining Inter Milan as part of a swap deal involving Marcelo Brozovic this month.

There have been non-stop talks of a potential player-exchange deal between Barça and Inter which would see Kessie and Brozovic swap teams in the January transfer window.

However, reports have suggested that the Ivorian, who joined Barcelona only in the summer window, is not looking to leave the club and is happy at Camp Nou despite his lack of game-time.

But, Romano is now stating that Kessie would be open to the possibility of returning to Italy and signing for Inter Milan if an opportunity presents itself.

The journalist then adds that the decision will be up to manager Xavi Hernandez and whether he opts to back the 26-year-old for the remainder of the season or is ready to sanction an exit for him.

At the same time, Romano adds that Brozovic, at the time, is prioritising staying at Inter Milan, having signed a new contract with the club last year.

There is still no discussion between the two clubs at this point as per Romano and Xavi is yet to give a green light to Kessie’s exit. But the midfielder would be willing to consider a move to Inter Milan.

And the Nerazzurri, too, would be open to such an operation as they are looking to add a midfielder of a physical profile to their ranks to complement the likes of Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, leaving the door ajar for Brozovic to move to Barcelona.

Reports in Spain have claimed that Xavi would be delighted to have the Croatian international at his disposal. The 30-year-old would be a good short-term fix for the La Liga leaders in case Sergio Busquets leaves at the end of the season.

What now remains to be seen is whether he the Barça head coach is prepared to sanction Kessie’s exit in order to bring in Brozovic before the transfer window slams shut.

At the same time, the logistics of the deal will also need to be discussed as Inter might demand additional fee from Barcelona along with the inclusion of Kessie in the deal.