Barcelona are reportedly preparing to do battle with Fiorentina again for the signature of holding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, after the Catalan giants narrowly missed out on acquiring his services on deadline day of the January transfer window.
According to reports in Calciomercato, Xavi wants Amrabat ‘at all costs’, as he could act as a perfect alternative to 34-year-old Sergio Busquets at the base of Barca’s midfield.
La Viola had plenty of interest in Amrabat in January after an outstanding string of performances in the World Cup, during which he and Morocco became the first African side to feature at the semi-final stage of the competition.
As well as Barcelona’s pursuit, there had also been registered interest from the Premier League, most notably from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
However, due to restrictions relating to financial fair play involved, Barca were unable to seal the deal at the end of January.
Xavi and his team will try again this summer though, and according to Calciomercato, Amrabat “only has Barcelona on his mind.”
A meeting between Amrabat’s, Barcelona’s and Fiorentina’s representatives has already been scheduled for the end of the season, when the relevant parties will try to negotiate a deal that suits all parties.
Rocco Commisso has reportedly set the price tag at €40m and is not prepared to make any major discounts.