Barcelona could sell midfielder if Messi, Gundogan arrive; will seek €25-30 million

Barcelona are in pursuit of several players in the summer, most of which are free agents. Given their financial situation, the Blaugrana cannot afford to sign any players that command a high transfer fee.

If reports are to believed, they have already completed the signing of Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club on a Bosman move, and are now looking at some other names.

This list starts with Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and PSG’s Lionel Messi. Both players are set to become free agents in the summer, and are on Barça’s radar ahead of next season.

Some news has already claimed that Barcelona have finalised a deal for Gundoganwhile La Liga presume that Messi, too, has reached an agreement to return to the Camp Nou.

However, given Barça’s wage bill needs to be reduced by over €200 million before the summer window, they will have to make some sacrifices in the team.

According to Javi Miguelone of the players that could be shown the exit door if Messi and Gundogan are signed is Franck Kessie. Barcelona will seek around €25-30 million for his services, which would immediately register as profit given he was signed for free.

Kessie had a ton of problems adjusting to Barça initially, but has found a place in the last few months, putting in impressive performances against Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Manchester United.

He even scored the winner against Madrid in the league at the Camp Nou, and was responsible for forcing the own goal at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Rey.

Gundogan and Kessie largely operate in a similar role as box-to-box midfielders. However, Xavi’s coaching staff are reportedly huge fans of the former, and it would be safe to assume that he will likely be given the nod over the Ivorian.

It is important to note, though, that Gundo’s representatives have denied news of any agreement with Barcelonasaying, “I am surprised at where the stories come from about a deal closed for many weeks. There is still no agreement with any club.”

Gerard Romero also denied the news about Barcelona meeting the German’s agent yesterday.

While Aston Villa and Inter Milan are keeping tabs on the playerKessie’s agency has confirmed that the player is not looking to move away from Barcelona after just one season.