Barcelona chief Deco admits he was eager to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Deco says he tried for Rodri after Sergi Busquets departed for Inter Miami last summer.
He told Esport3: "Rodri is the closest but City wouldn't sell him.
"(Bayern Munich's Josh) Kimmich is another great player, who is at Bayern. It wasn't easy to bring him in either."
On Lamine Yamal, Deco added: "We are not afraid that he will leave. We have a contract for the next eight years."