The No. 10's release clause could be set at a huge €230m, which was a previously unthinkable sum before Paris Saint-Germain grabbed Neymar from the Blaugrana this summer for around £200m.

The former Palermo star's rise has continued for the Old Lady this term, striking 11 times in just 10 Serie A appearances, meaning that fee could become an attractive figure by next year for some of Europe's richest clubs.

A potential linkup with compatriot Lionel Messi has always fuelled speculation of interest from Barca, but the steep price could now dissuade them after forking out £135.5m for Ousmane Dembele last summer.