Xavi says Gavi "must stay" at Barcelona amid Paris Saint-Germain talk

PSG are set to lose Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer at the end of the season, with the club already putting plans in place to replace the forward and also boost their squad in other areas.

Luis Enrique's side are allegedly lining up a summer move for Gavi, who has been on the sidelines since November due to the ACL injury that he suffered while representing Spain.

The 19-year-old came through the youth system at Camp Nou, working his way to the first team in 2021, and he has represented the club on 111 occasions, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.

Xavi is leaving as head coach this summer, so the club's legendary former midfielder will not be involved in the plans for the upcoming transfer market, but he sent a clear message when asked about a possible exit for Gavi.

«Gavi must stay. Gavi has to be the Barca of the future,» Xavi told reporters.

The midfielder made 15 occasions for Barcelona earlier this season, scoring twice and registering one assist, before picking up the knee injury which ended his campaign.

Xavi provided a positive update on the youngster's recovery earlier this month, though, revealing that the rehabilitation process was going «better than expected».

«It's going very well, better than expected, but Gavi is good, he would like to be there now, but he can't. He's making a textbook, textbook, perfect recovery,» the manager said.

«He's happy, he's taking it on, I see him very involved with the group. Despite not being on the field, he is a very important person for the group.»

Xavi was also asked about Kylian