Transfer News: Giovani Lo Celso unfazed by Barcelona, Real Madrid links

Giovani Lo Celso has addressed transfer rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid, insisting he is not fazed by the links over a summer move.

As reported by Tribal Football, who have quoted an interview in France Football, Giovani Lo Celso has responded to widespread speculation linking him with Barcelona and Real Madrid. The PSG superstar, who is on loan at Real Betis, claimed that he is only focused on playing football and is paying no attention to the transfer rumours.

Giovani Lo Celso joined Real Betis from PSG on a season-long loan deal last summer and has gone on to make steady progress at the Andalusian club this season. The Argentine has featured 37 times across all competitions so far, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park in Quique Setien’s side.

A record of 12 goals and 4 assists proves that the 22-year-old has what it takes to consistently be a healthy contributor for his side. And his progress has been noted by two of the biggest clubs in the world, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing him in the summer.

The interest from Barcelona is a bit surprising, with the impending arrival of Frenkie de Jong practically completing the midfield unit at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal. Having said that, the heavy dependence on Lionel Messi this season has exposed the need for other goalscorers, something that Lo Celso could remedy.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are in a similar predicament, with Karim Benzema the only player who has managed to be in among the goals on a consistent basis this season. With goals from midfield coming few and far between, the addition of a player like Lo Celso could help Zinedine Zidane add another dimension to his squad.

The player though, is keeping his feet on the ground, insisting in an interview with France Football that he is not paying much attention to the summer transfer rumours constantly linking him with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“You try not to focus on these things and to keep on working the way you have been doing in order to keep improving. It’s not good if you think about [transfer rumours]. There are many matches left and we’re playing for some major things, so I’m focused on this and on trying to give my best.”

“I don’t know if [Real Madrid and Barcelona] asked about signing me or not, as I don’t get involved in such things. I just try to play football, which is what makes me happy. I’m thinking about trying to finish as high as possible with Real Betis and then we’ll see what happens with the passing of time.”

The Argentine midfielder’s comment exudes a lot of maturity, and he is seemingly focused on his short-term objectives with Real Betis. But, it remains to be seen if either of Barcelona or Real Madrid manage to land him in the summer, or if Real Betis exercise their option to buy him from PSG.