The trade deal Xavi would accept now
Barça need to sign a pivot and Xavi Hernandez already assumes that it is going to be very difficult to bring in a player who can make a difference in that position. The coach would give the go-ahead to the exchange operation between Barca's Franck Kessie and Inter's Marcelo Brozovic, as the Croatian's profile fits what he needs, the negotiation is at a standstill because Barça's sporting area does not see it clearly and there are no guarantees that he can be registered.
The Kessié-Brozovic operation already came up during the month of January when Inter asked to loan the Ivorian. At that time, Barça dismissed the issue, but opened the option of an exchange with Brozovic. The Croatian was keen on the deal, but the Italians backed out on the grounds that the valuation of the two players was not the same.
Now, Xavi is seeking the arrival of a player with Brozovic's characteristics. The coach has presented an ambitious list, but they are impossible operations for the club in this market, so he would be willing to push for this barter and has communicated it to the sports area. But for now everything is at a standstill because it is not clear at Barça due to the age difference between the two players -Brozovic is about to turn 31- and because the Croatian's salary is very high due to Italian taxation.
Barça and Inter have been in contact in recent weeks and it is likely that there will be a summit in a few days. Inter have been interested in some Blaugrana players such as Kessié and Eric Garcia, but they do not have the money to sign them. And they want to sound out the idea of a swap deal, either with Brozovic or another player. At the time they also put on the table the possibility of the right wing-back, Dumfries, but Barça don't like it.
Barça's intention is to try to sell Kessié for more than 30 million euros and then be able to decide. And for now that offer has not arrived. The club does not rule out keeping him this season if there is no good sale option.
