Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso emerges as viable midfield option for FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona's quest to bolster their midfield continues, with German talent Ilkay Gundogan already secured.

Coach Xavi Hernandez, determined to enhance the team's chance-creation abilities, seeks a specialist in killer passes for the forward line.

Amidst this pursuit, the Manchester City midfielder, Bernardo Silva, emerges as a prime target for Barcelona. However, the complexities surrounding Silva's acquisition, given his crucial role at Manchester City, demand a substantial financial commitment from the Catalans.

Recognizing the challenges, FC Barcelona's decision-makers have now turned their attention to Giovani Lo Celso as an alternative solution. Mundo Deportivo reports that the 27-year-old Lo Celso, although not commanding the same price tag as Silva, possesses the potential to significantly enhance the club's chance creation statistics.

The Argentine midfielder finds himself surplus to requirements at Tottenham, having spent the previous season on loan at Villarreal. Consequently, Lo Celso is expected to leave the London club this summer in search of a new opportunity.

While FC Barcelona remain a potential destination, recent reports from Italy suggest that Napoli have initiated contact with Tottenham to secure Lo Celso's services. Napoli are willing to present an offer of approximately €15 million, proposing a loan agreement with an option to purchase at the end of the term. However, Tottenham are yet to be convinced by such an arrangement.

Another La Liga side expressing interest in the Argentine is Real Betis. Lo Celso enjoyed a highly productive stint at the Spanish club during the 2018-19 season.

Xavi, impressed by Lo Celso's combative nature and impeccable passing abilities, holds the Argentine in high regard. Moreover, Lo Celso's affordability in comparison to Bernardo Silva makes him an appealing target for the Catalans.

As Barcelona continue to seek the perfect addition to their midfield, Giovani Lo Celso emerges as a promising and cost-effective option for coach Xavi Hernandez.