The former Barcelona youth player has long been linked with a return to the Spanish giants.
Puyol said: “Cesc would have his reasons, to go, and would have the same opportunities [with Barcelona] that he has at Arsenal.
“The market dictates the value and you pay a lot for players of a high level but if he comes I hope we don’t pay much.”
He added: “It is not easy for him to talk much because he has his club, although it is clear that we would like because he’s a great friend and one of the best players in the world. He knows the philosophy of Barcelona very well.”