Bartomeu Avoids Rabiot Signing Rumors
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says nothing is certain regarding a summer move for PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot
Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot, but club president Josep Maria Bartomeu denied there has been contact between the LaLiga leaders and the France international.
Rabiot is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, when his deal expires, with the midfielder not in contention for selection by coach Thomas Tuchel due to the contract stand-off.
"The planning of the club for the next seasons is not yet launched, we will start in March," Bartomeu said of links to Rabiot.
"In addition, Barca always puts the priority on the players of our B team. If we do not find them, we will look for them outside.
"The only sure thing about Rabiot is that on June 30 he will be free."
One player who will be lining up for Barca next season is the Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the Netherlands international adding to Ernesto Valverde's midfield options after agreeing a move worth €86million.
"When a player arrives at Barca, he knows he will be competing. It's a challenge for them, some accept it, others do not," Bartomeu continued. "When we go looking for a talent outside, we are sometimes told: 'I want to play, not be on the bench.'
"He is a player who will mark a time of European football. He has an incredible talent and an understanding of football which is that of Barca... and the same as that of Ajax."
