Pep: Robinho not joining Barca

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of Robinho joining the treble winners before the end of the transfer window, admitting his side are unlikely to make any more signings this summer.

Barca had been linked with a big-money swoop for Brazil forward, who played for the Catalan giants’ arch rivals Real Madrid before moving to Manchester City on transfer deadline day 12 months ago for a British record £32.5m.

However, Guardiola has poured cold water on the chance of Robinho moving to the Nou Camp, and also on the likelihood of any new player being brought into the squad today save from Dmytro Chygrynskiy.

“Something extraordinary will have to happen for someone to come in,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.

“Robinho will not come. He was the star signing of City last year and it would make no sense that they’d let him go now.”

Guardiola did admit, though, that he felt Barca’s squad was a little thin having only brought in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Maxwell and Chygrynskiy this summer. He would have liked a midfielder, but nevertheless believes the youngsters coming through can fill any gaps.

“The prices (being asked for players) were exorbitant. I have a lot of faith that the young players can help maintain the balance of the team,” he added.

With regards Ukraine defender Chygrynskiy, who is currently undergoing his medical with Barca as he puts the finishing touches on what is reportedly a €25m move from Shakhtar Donetsk, Guardiola said: “We have made a good signing.

“We’ve asked a lot about and and we’ve seen him a lot, and I think that he can help us.”