Xavi has begged with Barcelona’s board to make a last-ditch offer to keep forwards Ousmane Dembele despite Chelsea’s interest.
Dembele’s contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the month.
This summer, the World Cup winner from France has been extensively connected with a reunion with his old manager Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
Dembele and Barcelona have yet to agree on a contract extension.
Despite his injury difficulties, the former Dortmund star earned Xavi’s trust in the second half of last season, becoming a regular player in the Barcelona team.
Xavi, though, has reportedly persuaded his board to satisfy Dembele’s wage demands in order to keep him at the Camp Nou and away from Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail.
Dembele’s signing on a free transfer would be a major coup for Chelsea, considering the winger cost Barcelona £111 million six years ago.