Barcelona have confirmed their interest in Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic and insisted Pedro Rodriguez will not be departing the club in the summer. 

According to Sport English, Barcelona’s international sporting director Ariedo Braida gave an interview to FC Inter News (link in Italian), in which he spoke about Barcelona’s plans and discussed both players.

Though the Blaugrana are currently under a transfer embargo and cannot sign any players in 2015, Braida confirmed that “nothing stops us making verbal agreements with a view to [signing players] January.”

On Kovacic, Braida said: “For the moment I can’t talk, there’s nothing concrete. But of course, we can’t deny that we like the player and he has quality.”

The 21-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the hottest prospects in European football this season with a string of consistently impressive performances for Inter.

Though his total of five goals and two assists (h/t WhoScored.com) may not be a particularly eye-catching total, Kovacic has been one of the few stars in an otherwise disappointing season for Inter.

The Croatian possesses great vision having created 52 chances in Serie A this season, and he is known for his incisive dribbling, completing 64 per cent of his attempted take-ons (h/t Squawka).

Kovacic has also caught the eye of the Guardian’s James Horncastle:

As Xavi reaches the twilight of his career with Andres Iniesta not too far behind, Kovacic would be the ideal candidate to hone his craft at the Camp Nou and ultimately replace the ageing Spaniards.

In news that will disappoint potential suitors Arsenal and Chelsea (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star), Braida discussed Pedro’s future with the club. Per Sport English, he said:

Pedro is and will continue being a Barcelona player. He is a very important player for us. He has a contract and will continue at the Camp Nou, especially taking into account our transfer ban.

Though Pedro is very much a backup to star trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Spaniard has contributed admirably this season given his lack of game time.

Despite starting just 18 games, Pedro has scored 11 goals and made seven assists (h/t WhoScored.com).

The winger’s bicycle kick against Real Sociedad was a joy to behold:

Should one of the front three get injured or suspended, the depth Pedro provides will be invaluable to the Blaugrana, particularly as they cannot reinforce over the summer.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire senior career with Barca, and they are wise not to discard him now more than ever.

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