If a year ago he was unsure about the move because he doubted he would get minutes and opportunities, now things are more open and he seems ready to make the swap. That is what Barcelona have detected from the player’s representatives whom they have been speaking to in the last few days.

The contact has intensified. The Frenchman’s agents have confirmed the player’s intention is to sign immediately to start a new era in his short but intense career. It was little more than two years ago he moved into State Rennes squad (June 2015) and ended up going to Borussia Dortmund for 15m euros, when Barcelona wanted him too.

Now that Barca are flush with cash it looks like everyone wants some of it.