Stay away, PSG! Xavi tells Barcelona to fight off Gavi interest from French giants and hails star midfielder as club's 'future'

With Kylian Mbappe set to depart the Parc des Princes in the summer, PSG are drawing up a blueprint with potential replacements and enhancements to their squad to maintain their competitive edge among European elites. And Gavi, who has been sidelined since November due to an ACL injury sustained while playing for Spain, is reportedly on PSG's radar for a summer move.

However, Xavi has put in a plea to Barcelona's hierarchy to retain the midfielder as he believes that the youngster can be a cornerstone at Camp Nou and has the potential to be a future captain of the team.

"Gavi must stay, he has to be one of the captains of the team in the future. We are always talking about departures, but Gavi has to be the future of Barca," he told reporters.

Xavi was also questioned on Mbappe's imminent departure from PSG and links to Real Madrid. But the manager refrained from making any comment and instead emphasized that Barcelona's focus remains on the Champions League clash against Napoli.

"I don't have much to say. What has become official is that Mbappe is leaving PSG, but our situation is different. We have to finish the season well, we have the Champions League tie. I can't answer you," he said.

"Don't ask me any more questions about Mbappe, please. I don't think I should speak about him."

Barcelona face Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday and then a trip to Naples awaits them for a crucial Champions League clash against Napoli on Wednesday. They were held to a 3-3 draw by Granada in their previous outing and Xavi's immediate concern is to steer the Catalans back on the winning track to keep pace with leaders Real Madrid in the title race.