Barcelona target Marco Verratti has reportedly rejected Paris Saint-Germain’s offer of a €12m salary but challenged the club to buy “champions”.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Verratti met with PSG executives in Paris, where he formally announced his desire to join Barca.
The French giants turned down the midfielder’s request, but he has since broken his silence on what they need to do for him to stay.
“I don’t have to go at all costs,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I want to see if they’re going to sign champions this time. If this is the case, I’d be happy to stay.
“Every year they say they’re going to build a great team, and we see the results…
“Promises aren’t enough. If [sporting director Antero] Henrique sticks to his promises, I’d be happy to stay. No-one will force me to leave.”
However, Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset claims Verratti has already turned down a renewal proposal from PSG worth €12m a season.
Furthermore, he is said to have asked for legal advice from his lawyers to know what the consequences could be for not attending preseason, which starts on July 4.
MD concludes by stating Barca remain “optimistic” that the 24-year-old will eventually become a Blaugrana player.
