Joan Laporta confirmed to the media that Barcelona will try to sign a new midfielder in January if they can secure the required financial margin.
"If our fair-play situation allows, the idea is to have a midfielder who in some way compensates for Gavi's loss," Laporta said.
"It would be a loan until the end of the season, as we did many years ago with Edgar Davids, for example," the Barca president added.
What it means is that Barca don't have money to spend but they want a new midfielder. That slashes their options considerably.
The Blaugrana will be seeking to sign players who are open to leaving their current clubs in January. They will also seek to do business with clubs willing to let them go of their players.
Here are three names we could suggest as a short-term fix
Renato Sanches. The Portuguese is struggling to find himself under Jose Mourinho at AS Roma. Last week, Mourinho subbed him off 18 minutes after bringing him on as a substitute. Perhaps Xavi can unravel the huge talent locked inside the former Golden Boy winner.
Kalvin Philips. Pep Guardiola has confirmed that it's best for Phillips to leave Man City to find regular game time. The Englishman is talented, powerful and has an eye for a pass. He's just been unfortunate to find himself in a team with superb midfielders.
Andrey Santos. Barca were linked with the Chelsea youngster before he moved on loan to Nottingham Forest. But he's been a benchwarmer there and Chelsea are considering recalling him. Barca could use the talented Brazilian for the next six months in Gavi's absence.
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