Barcelona issue new transfer update on three stars - including Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona are preparing for a busy summer transfer window and while they would like to keep Frenkie de Jong, they are willing to sanction the exit of Ansu Fati and other stars

Barcelona chief Deco has underlined the club's desire to keep Frenkie de Jong and wants to see "one of the best centre-backs in the world" in Ronald Araujo remain with the La Liga champions as they begin their summer plans.

The Catalans have just completed the double in Spain with Hansi Flick enjoying a hugely successful first year in charge. Attention has turned to their summer recruitment and retention with De Jong, who has often been linked with a move away, firmly part of the club's plans.

Manchester United have continued to be touted as a destination but the former Ajax man has just enjoyed one of his best years with Barcelona and, as he enters the final year of his deal, the club are preparing to sit down for talks over an extension.

Deco told La Vanguardia: “The Frenkie we had this season is the Frenkie we want. We want to continue with Frenkie, he has one more year on his contract and we are going to analyse things calmly.”

Barcelona have had to toe the line financially with La Liga, who have hit them with penalties which meant they struggled to register Dani Olmo after signing him last summer. Now the club are closing in on the signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

Ansu Fati is a player who does seem destined to depart after failing to realise his potential at the Nou Camp. Once tipped as Lionel Messi's heir, he has struggled for form and previously spent time on loan at Brighton. Deco accepts that a move away, potentially to France, could be beneficial, but they have no interest in letting him go permanently.

He said: “With the age he is and the career he has had, he cannot be without playing. We are open to not putting problems if he wants to leave. Monaco have spoken to us. Ansu has a contract, if they ask for him it would be a loan. He’s 23 years old, we talk about him as if he were 30, but for me he still has a lot to grow and learn.”

Deco has also ruled out the prospect of Araujo departing the club, insisting he is one of the best in his position. The defender has been linked with a Manchester move in the past. Injuries in the first half of the season meant he started just 11 La Liga games, but he remains highly thought of.

“What we want is to improve the team, not make it worse," said the Barcelona chief. "And if we lose an important piece, we are making it worse. Ronald has a contract, has renewed and has suffered a difficult season, with unfair criticism. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world. Leaving is not in Ronald’s plans. He wants to return to his best level.”