Barcelona are in conversations with Girona to try and sign midfielder Oriol Romeu this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Xavi is searching for a replacement for Sergio Busquets, who left the club at the end of last season, and Romeu is now the top target, as Barcelona aim to bring the former La Masia product back to the club.
Romeu was impressive for Girona last season, and his experience, leadership and defensive qualities make him an attractive proposition for Barcelona to play alongside summer signing Ilkay Gundogan.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano claimed that conversations are ongoing for the 31-year-old, but Barcelona do not want to overpay.
Okay for the central midfield, the idea is to go for at the moment for Oriol Romeu,” he stated.
“The big favourite is Oriol Romeu, there are still conversations ongoing for Romeu to join Barcelona.
“It depends on the price tag. Of course, they don’t want to overpay but this is a top target for Barcelona.”
Do Barcelona need Romeu this summer?
Despite the signing of Gundogan, Barcelona still have to fill the void left by Busquets, and it is clear from this transfer pursuit that Xavi does not see Frenkie De Jong as the successor to the Spanish legend.
De Jong may be seen as a less defensive option, and Romeu could come in to help bring balance to the midfield.
If Barcelona cannot agree a deal for the former Southampton star, then an internal solution could be to use Nico Gonzalez, following his impressive loan spell at Valencia.
However, Xavi may prefer a more experienced player for the crucial role, and with Gundogan set to play further forward, the German is clearly not seen as the ideal number six for the side.
Romeu could be a low-cost, low-risk option, who knows the club and league well, and could help Barcelona progress in the Champions League following two group stage exits in a row.