GIOVANI LO CELSO is reportedly a top target for Xavi and Barcelona after Lionel Messi gave the Tottenham man huge praise.
Lo Celso has been uninspiring since his move to Spurs in 2020 and has spent time on loan at Villarreal.
Giovani Lo Celso hasn’t played for Tottenham since January 2022
Lo Celso plays alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina
But the Argentine’s lack of game time hasn’t stopped Barca boss Xavi from reportedly insisting on making him part of his project.
According to AS Xavi is keen on considering Lo Celso as an option to play in the “Messi role” for the Catalan giants.
It is said that the interest comes following Messi’s own advice after playing with Lo Celso for the Argentina national team.
Messi reportedly told Xavi that the Spurs midfielder was the best player in the team and that conversation has stuck with the Barcelona manager since.
Lo Celso is reported to be seen as an important player for Xavi’s side who can occupy multiple roles across the midfield.
The 27-year-old is under contract in North London until 2025 and any deal that Barcelona would do would have to take into account Financial Fair Play given their current situation.
Lo Celso wouldn’t be the only midfield addition to Xavi’s side this summer with a deal for Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan said to be close to completion.
Gundogan had been linked with a move to Tottenham’s bitter rivals Arsenal, but seems to have preferred a transfer away from the Premier League.
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Tottenham themselves will be looking for reinforcements this summer with new boss Ange Postecoglou looking to get the team back on track.
They have been linked with a move for England and Leicester ace James Maddison, whilst they face the yearly battle to keep hold of Harry Kane.
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