Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has refused to rule out the possibility of discussing a move with Real Madrid for Isco.
The 26-year-old has struggled to find his best form this season despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly allowing others to step up and take on a bigger role at the Bernabeu.
Isco has managed just four goals and one assist in 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, while he has been demoted to a bit-part bench role under Santiago Solari since November having not started a La Liga game since the heavy defeat to Barcelona back in October.
With that in mind, Bartomeu hasn’t ruled out the idea of Barcelona making a move for the Spanish international if he was requested by their coach, and has insisted that they would open talks with their bitter domestic rivals if necessary.
"If our coaches asked us for a player and they want to leave Madrid, of course we would sign them, but it has not happened since I arrived," he is quoted as saying by Marca. "There are no non-aggression pacts, each of us try to make our team more competitive. Isco? We would talk to Madrid."
As he notes in his comments, it’s very rare for Barcelona and Real Madrid to do direct transfer business, as it hasn’t happened since he arrived at the Nou Camp.
In turn, it’s difficult to see such a move happen, but if Isco continues to grow frustrated in Madrid and is a desired target for Ernesto Valverde, it seems as though supporters shouldn’t be surprised if Barca throw their hat in the ring to prise him away from the Bernabeu.
Time will tell if it happens, but the longer his malaise continues for Madrid, the more likely it arguably is that he’ll be considering an exit this summer.