Xavi would prefer to see de Jong leave Barcelona instead of ace striker | OneFootball

Barcelona have had an impressive summer transfer window that saw them make some statement signings. However, they are still not done with their business in the market as more additions are being eyed by Xavi Hernandez & co.

A new left-back in the form of Marcos Alonso is expected to arrive imminently, while the Catalans will also go for a new right-back after deciding to axe Sergino Dest. However, the icing on the cake could be the potential signing of Manchester City superstar Bernardo Silva.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international has been at the top of the club’s wishlist for a while now and efforts are being made to sign him up. The midfielder, for his part, is believed to be keen on moving to Camp Nou, which increases Barça’s chances of sealing the deal.

However, the signings could open up the registration issue once again for Barcelona, who are yet to register Jules Kounde. So, some room will need to be made on the wage bill for any more potential incomings.

Memphis Depay’s imminent departure to Juventus could help the club get in Kounde’s registration, reports SPORT.

However, in order to successfully register any more new signings, Barcelona would need to sanction another major sale before the window closes. And as things stand, the Blaugrana have two options in front of them – Frenkie de Jong or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

De Jong’s departure would resolve all registration issues for the Blaugrana as they would be getting his massive wages off the book while his exit could also help fund a move for Silva. However, the Dutchman is reluctant to leave the club despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

As for Aubameyang, he is also attracting interest from Chelsea, who are desperately trying to sign him up at the request of manager Thomas Tuchel. While he would not bring in the same transfer fee as de Jong, his exit would still help Barça to an extent. And given the midfielder’s reluctance to leave, they are considering selling the striker.

However, as per the report, manager Xavi would prefer to see de Jong leave the club over Aubameyang this summer. This is because the Catalans already have plenty of options in the middle of the park, which would only be bolstered if Silva also arrives.

But, with Depay already on his way out, losing Aubameyang as well would deplete Barça’s options in the No. 9 role. Hence, the manager would favour de Jong’s exit over the former Arsenal captain’s this summer.

Aubameyang, for his part, is willing to accept a different role this season, having fallen behind Robert Lewandowski in the pecking order. He is said to be comfortable at Barcelona and is not thinking about leaving.

However, a lot of factors could decide who stays and who leaves as Barça make final adjustments to their roster this summer.