Barcelona have firmly rejected an initial enquiry from Manchester City for centre-back Pau Cubarsí, declaring the 19-year-old completely untouchable and not for sale at any price.

According to reports in Spain, City contacted Barcelona to test the possibility of a deal for the La Masia graduate, but the Catalan club immediately shut down any dialogue. Barcelona view Cubarsí as a foundational piece of Hansi Flick’s project and have placed a “non-transferable” label on him, with no interest in discussing offers, player swaps or exploratory talks.

Cubarsí is under contract until 2029 and has a €500 million release clause, a structure designed to deter approaches from rival clubs. Barcelona see him as a long-term pillar of their defence and a future captain, and his status has not changed despite interest from several Premier League sides, including City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Manchester City have been assessing defensive reinforcements, but Barcelona’s stance makes a move for Cubarsí effectively impossible unless the player himself forces an exit or the club’s financial situation changes dramatically. For now, the message from Barcelona is clear: Cubarsí remains a key part of their present and future plans.