Franck Kessie will reportedly not be leaving Barcelona during this summer's transfer window despite the ongoing speculation surrounding the midfielder's future.
The 26-year-old is believed to have turned down interest from a number of clubs, including teams from the Premier League, in order to move to Camp Nou on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer.
Kessie has made 29 appearances for Xavi's side during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing two goals and three assists in the process, but there has been ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Tottenham Hotspur were credited with an interest during the January market, and there have been suggestions that the North London giants could make a move during the summer window.
However, according to Sport, there is no chance that the Ivory Coast international will be on the move at the end of the season, having recently taken on an important role.
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Injuries and suspensions in the Barcelona midfield have seen Kessie feature on a regular basis in recent weeks, while the club could lose Sergio Busquets on a free transfer this summer.
Frenkie de Jong's future is also again being called into question, with Manchester United said to be preparing to reignite their interest in the Netherlands international.
As a result, Kessie could be a permanent fixture in the midfield next season, with Gavi often used further forward during the 2022-23 campaign.
The Ivorian penned a four-year deal with the Catalan giants upon his arrival, meaning that he has a deal with the club until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta said that Kessie would "continue to be important" when he confirmed that the midfielder would not be leaving in January.
"I don't have any intention of selling Kessie in January, he will continue to be important for us," Laporta told reporters. "We're happy with our squad, the players will continue to be important over the rest of the season."
Inter Milan and Chelsea, alongside Spurs, are thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Barcelona were recently eliminated by Manchester United in the Europa League, but they are still fighting on two fronts this season in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Xavi's side will be bidding to build on their 1-0 success over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final when they host Valencia in La Liga on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
