"I'm open to an experience abroad of Italy," Manuel Locatelli has told L'Equipe when asked about his potential exit from Sassuolo this summer.
As per reports, Barcelona view the 23-year-old as a long-term replacement for ageing Sergio Busquets. Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes are also on the Catalans' wishlist.
The Italian, however, appears to be keen on joining Paris Saint-Germain instead while Manchester City and Juventus are also interested in his services, according to Fabrizio Romano.
"PSG? I'd like this kind of opportunity, PSG is a world top club in a great city," Locatelli added.
Manuel is now valued at €35m by Transfermakrt. The midfielder has made 32 appearances for Sassuolo across all competitions this season so far.
Barcelona draw up 3-man list of Busquets replacements, Sassuolo ace favourite to join (reliability: 4 stars)
Barcelona are interested in signing Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes and Sassuolo's Manuel Locatelli as potential replacements for Sergio Busquets, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Busquets turns 33 in July so no wonder the Catalans are beginning to think about their life without the midfielder.
The most realistic option is said to be Locatelli as Barca have good relationships with Sassuolo - something that could help the Blaugrana land the €35m-rated player on the cheap.
Camavinga, in turn, remains heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid while Merino's €60m release clause at Sociedad will rise by €5m at the end of the season.
No Busquets, Moriba in: How Koeman can boost Barca's defensive midfield next season shown in 3 lineups
Sergio Busquets keeps on delivering when needed but he has also been quite inconsistent due to his age.
Perhaps next season already, Barca will have to look for his successor. Who could it be and how could the Catalans line up amid these changes?
Option 1 - De Jong as replacement
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; De Jong; Dest, Moriba, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
Despite his massive attacking impact, Frenkie de Jong is quite used to playing as a defensive midfielder. With him, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza being used in defensive roles, Barca may look really fast at the back, covering for each other when needed.
Option 2 - Moriba as ball-winning midfielder
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; Moriba; Dest, De Jong, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
Ilaix Moriba's physicality and the ability to intercept the ball when needed may really help us next season. The youngster doesn't look convincing while controlling the ball but what if he's only used in a defensive role?
Basically, Moriba's main task would be trying to steal the ball and giving a short pass to Pedri/De Jong who'd come up with a creative follow-up.
Option 3 - Barca B starlet in
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; Orellana; Dest, De Jong, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
Barcelona B talent Jandro Orellana is already 20 years old – and some say the youngster could replace Sergio Busquets as soon as possible.
What's special about the boy is that his style of play really reminds Busi – just like our veteran, he's more of a deep-lying playmaker who could be used in a more offensive role when needed.
Option 4 - your choice
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; ?; Dest, De Jong, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
We leave the final option for you guys. Do you want to see Miralem Pjanic in Busquets' position next season? Or maybe you'd like Barca to spend a fortune on a player like Rodri? Let's be creative and think about who could effectively replace Busquets at Barca.
