The Catalan side had their heart set on signing the Atletico Madrid and Spain marvel in the summer but the chance to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool could not be missed and the bulk of their budget went on the Uruguayan.
Barca bosses believe midfield lynchpin Xavi will leave the club soon and finding a replacement is at the top of their agenda.
Barca’s attempts to land the 22-year-old in June were met with little encouragement from Atletico or the player so Madrid used the summer to offer the midfielder a new deal that runs until 2019 and includes a massive buyout clause of £55m.
However, Atletico are facing testing financial times and manager Diego Simeone is likely to be asked to raise funds by selling one of his big stars during the upcoming transfer window, with Koke their most valuable asset.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Koke but the fantastic form of Cesc Fabregas and midfield partner Nemanja Matic means Koke is no longer a necessity and could not be guaranteed a starting spot.
City, though – after a disappointing season so far – could look to freshen up their core with a move for the playmaker and set-piece specialist so Barcelona will be working hard to beat the Premier League side in the race for his signature.