Barcelona: Sergio Busquets tells president to keep pay-rise promise after Pep Guardiola reunion talk

Barcelona star Sergio Busquets has sent a clear message to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, demanding that he get pay rise among a new deal that will commit his future to the club. The Spain midfielder has been linked with both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in recent times, but it is understood his first choice is to remain at the Nou Camp if a pay rise is delivered.

Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that PSG were ready to pay €100m (£78.8m, $109.8m) for the player's services, having him as their top summer priority ahead of Paul Pogba. The report added that the Ligue 1 billionaires could face stiff competition from the Premier League as both Chelsea and Manchester City were monitoring the situation. Pep Guardiola was said to be especially keen on reuniting with his former Barcelona charge at the Etihad Stadium.

Busquets did little to diminish that speculation after admitting that it would be difficult to turn down an offer from his former manager.

"I have always said that there are only two people who can change my decision to stay here. One is my wife, and she supports Barcelona, so I do not think there is a problem on a personal level. From a sporting level, the other person would be Guardiola. It is clear that I owe him a lot and so for me to work with him again would be an honour," the Barcelona star said during an interview with ESPN.

It now seems that the talk was spurred by an unfulfilled promise regarding a pay rise. Busquets signed a new deal at the Nou Camp just one year ago, but it is understood Bartomeu promised an improved deal should performances warrant one.

Having become one of the dressing room's leaders following the summer departure of Xavi, Busquets believes he deserves the pay rise.

Speaking with the Spanish reporters after the 2-0 victory at Arsenal, he said ,as quoted by AS: "[Staying here is] something that depends on the president. I hope he keeps his word, but I'm confident it will be resolved."

"I know where I want to be. I feel very valued by the people at Barcelona and by the club. We're in a good way."

The Barcelona also star expressed his delight about the result, as Lionel Messi's brace gave them a huge advantage ahead of the second leg.

"We are happy for the result, it's a great victory. We respect all the teams. It's a good result but Arsenal have very good players and we can't take it as done. In the return leg we will go out to win, like always," the Barcelona star added.

"They are strong physically and tactically. They tried to take advantage with speedy counters in the first half. Later in the second half, we were better. If they wanted to take risks, we did too. The victory could have been bigger. When Arsenal pushed up, they left space and those up front were able to make the difference."