Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that midfielder Franck Kessie will not be leaving the Camp Nou despite interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea about a potential winter loan move.
Ivorian midfielder Kessie only joined the Blaugrana in the summer on a free transfer after his contract with AC Milan expired, but there was speculation that he could leave after just six months in Catalonia.
He has started just twice in La Liga so far this campaign, but with Frenkie de Jong staying at the club, as well as Sergio Busquets defying the laws of ageing and young duo Pedri and Gavi continuing to steal the headlines, it has been a struggle for the 26-year-old to get a look in at the Camp Nou.
And there was speculation that he could be returning to Italy as part of a swap deal for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, while Chelsea and Arsenal were both linked with moves for the Ivorian before the end of the window.
However, Xavi has confirmed that Kessie will remain a Barcelona player come February 2nd, adding that he ‘can be really important’ in the second half of the season.
“I’ve never considered Kessié’s departure”, Xavi told the media.
Currently top of La Liga, Barcelona face Manchester United in a massive Europa League round of 32 tie after finishing third in their Champions League group for the second successive season.
Meanwhile, there are not expected to be any further movements at Camp Nou before the window slams shut, either in or out.
