Sources told Barcelona are confident their financial plans will be approved by La Liga within days, allowing them to start transfer business, which includes re-signing Lionel Messi.
Barça have a lot of summer plans, but they need La Liga approval. Pablo Martín Pais Gavira and Ronald Araujo The previous contracts were not set in stone, putting the future of both players in jeopardy. It is understood that new deals with Gavira and Ronald Araujo and new terms for breaking defender Alejandrobald remain Barca's top priorities. However, Camp Nou's priority is to bring Lionel Messi back to Catalonia.
Barca have been in talks with Messi's camp for months and they are confident that his signing will be confirmed soon, but everyone involved is still waiting. Among them is manager Harvey, who hopes to coach his former teammate in the near future.
"Messi will decide his future next week. I agree 100% with him joining us," he told Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo. "He knew we were ready to welcome him. Nothing has changed, we have a chance. We wish Leo was here. Let him decide. I'm ready to incorporate him into our system. ”
Xavi said their interest in Bernardo Silva and Joshua Kimmich could depend on Messi, revealing that finding a successor for Sergio Busquets this summer was a priority. He added: "If Leo doesn't come, then a player like this is needed. Bernardo? That would be great, but it would be very difficult. Kimmich is a super top player and understands the game in a fantastic way. If there is an open door, there will be negotiations with Bayern. "Vitorock? A new striker is not a priority. We certainly need Busquets' top replacement. This is a priority. ”
Manchester City's Ilkai Gundogan free transfer talks are underway, while Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendy has also been seen as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets. Wolves' Rubenneves have also been linked, although Xavi hinted the Portugal international was not a key target. "Well, he's a good player," he said to Neves. "Will he adapt to our style? We'll see. We have different names: Plan A, Plan B, Plan C. ”
Xavi also spoke about Rafinha's future, insisting the Brazilian would not be sold to raise money for Messi's move a year after his move from Leeds. "Rafinha is not on the market. He stays in Barcelona and he will help us a lot," he added. "He's a crucial player for me, but really a very important player. He makes all the difference. ”