Xavi 'requests Barcelona to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Lo Celso'

Barcelona boss Xavi is reportedly keen to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur.

Xavi finished his first full season as Barcelona boss with the La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup, but the Barcelona head coach is not prepared to rest on his laurels.

After being knocked out of the Champions League group stage in the last two seasons, Barcelona are hoping to assemble a squad that can make a significant impression in UEFA's elite club competition.

They have already stated their intent with the additions of Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan on free transfers following their respective departures from Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City.

Barcelona have now turned their attention to other targets, with journalist Javi Miguel reporting that Xavi has identified Lo Celso as one of three potential signings.

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Due to their economic situation, a permanent transfer appears to be out of the question, but the Catalan giants are hoping to secure Lo Celso's services on a loan agreement.

The Argentina international joined Tottenham Hotspur on an initial loan deal from Real Betis in the summer of 2019, before converting his stay into a permanent one in January 2020.

The 27-year-old, who has made a total of 84 appearances for Spurs, returned to Spain in January 2022 when he completed a loan move to Villarreal.

During the last 18 months with the Yellow Submarine, he has featured in 51 competitive games, contributing three goals and four assists.

Barcelona will face competition for Lo Celso's services, though, with his former club Real Betis believed to be showing an interest.

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In addition to Lo Celso, Xavi is also looking to recruit Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo and Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu.

After falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola, Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at German champions Bayern Munich.

Barcelona do not have the funds to sign Cancelo on a permanent transfer, and as a result, they would attempt to agree a loan move with Man City.

Romeu, meanwhile, is regarded as an affordable option due to a €8m (£6.9m) release clause in his Girona contract.

The experienced midfielder, who graduated from Barcelona's academy, started all 33 of his La Liga appearances during the 2022-23 campaign, helping his side achieve a commendable 10th-placed finish.