Barcelona's ability to complete a raft of big-name signings during the summer transfer window saw many eyebrows raised.

For some years prior, the precarious nature of La Blaugrana's finances had been well publicised within the game.

Most famously, Barca's money woes forced them to part company with club legend Lionel Messi in August 2021 - as the club simply couldn't comply with La Liga's financial regulations.

Just 12 months later, however, Barcelona were parading some of the top players on the planet at Camp Nou.

The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie all arrived at the club, funded by the sale of a stake in Barca's broadcasting rights and television rights.

By parting with those assets, Barcelona reportedly raised €700m, a sum that allowed them to once again operate freely in the transfer market.

Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 17: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Spotify Camp Nou on September 17, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Representatives for rival clubs, however, have expressed concerns over whether the move breaks Financial Fair Play rules.

One man who is in no doubt that Barcelona have broken the rules is Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

What has PSG president Al-Khelaifi said about Barcelona?

Per Marca, Al-Khelaifi recently insisted in an interview that Barca's finances should be investigated by UEFA.

"Is this fair? No, it's not fair. ... Is it legal? I'm not sure. If they allow them, others will do the same. UEFA of course have their own [financial] regulations. For sure they're going to look at everything," he declared.

Not only are Barcelona and PSG rivals in the Champions League, but they also compete in the transfer market for some of the world's most highly-desired players.

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Known themselves to be free-spending when it comes to their playing squad, it's clear to see why PSG are leading the calls for Barca to be investigated.

However, per Spanish outlet Sport, PSG's owners could have their eyes set on taking on Barcelona closer to home.

PSG ownership said to be interested in purchasing La Liga side Espanyol

As part of what Sport describe as a 'way to harm' and 'overshadow' Barca, Al-Khelaifi has apparently been told to begin the process of attempting to purchase Barcelona's local rivals Espanyol by PSG owner Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani - a member of the Qatari royal family.

Both sides are based in the metropolitan Barcelona area and have competed fiercely for local bragging rights for more than 100 years.

While the rivalry can't compare to that which Barca has with Real Madrid, Espanyol supporters certainly take it very seriously and would delight in being able to compete with their world-famous neighbours.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona v Espanyol

BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona pushes the face of Wu Lei of Espanyol whilst protecting the ball during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

How much is PSG owner Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani worth?

Espanyol currently sit in 17th place in La Liga and wouldn't represent the most attractive proposition to most investors.

Bin Hamad Al Thani, who owns PSG through Qatar Sports Investments, isn't your standard investor, though.  Per Money Inc, he is reportedly worth a staggering £2.1 billion.

It goes without saying that if Espanyol receive backing from a source that wealthy, then the face of La Liga could change considerably.

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