While Busquets earned 18 million, the money Rabiot will earn if he joins Barcelona

Barcelona continues to grapple with its financial woes and, as the summer transfer window approaches, the club has shifted its focus to signing players on a free transfer.

In a bid to bolster their midfield, coach Xavi Hernández has made moves to acquire Ilkay Gündogan. The Manchester City captain's contract with the European champions is set to expire at the end of this month. However, Gündogan has yet to make a decision about his future as both Manchester City and Arsenal have also presented contract proposals to the player.

If Barcelona fails to secure Gündogan's signature, another cost-free option could be Adrien Rabiot, who will leave Juventus at the end of June as a free agent. According to Gerard Romero, the opportunity to sign the French international midfielder has been offered to Barcelona.

Rabiot has been linked with Barcelona in the past. His arrival in Catalonia was rumored to be imminent in 2019 when he left Paris Saint-Germain, although he ultimately chose to join Juventus. If Barcelona decides to pursue Rabiot, they are likely to face tough competition as several clubs, including Manchester United, are also interested in acquiring his services.

<br/>It&#39;s a smart strategy

With financial constraints limiting Barcelona's options in the transfer market, the pursuit of players on a free transfer has become a key strategy to reinforce the team. The arrival of Gündogan or Rabiot could provide a significant boost to the Blaugrana midfield, bringing quality and experience to the squad.