Barcelona manager Xavi stated again his ambition to sign two new central midfielders during the summer transfer window. Sergio Busquets will depart Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the month. Also Franck Kessie’s future remains uncertain, with the club considering selling him during current transfer window. Frenkie de Jong is certain to stay. Still the La Liga winners are lacking in central midfield, with Gavi playing forward and Pedri suffering from injuries. In the middle of the park, Barca needs a pivot. And with that in mind, Sports Mole claims that three players who are likely to be of interest to Xavi’s side.
Barcelona coach Xavi is eager to sign Martin Zubimendi
Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, has made clear of his admiration for Martin Zubimendi. Xavi describes him as “an extraordinary pivot” and a “top player” just last month. The Spain international is widely regarded as Xavi’s preferred replacement for Busquets. But a move for the midfielder would be costly, given he signed a new long-term contract with Real Sociedad last October. The midfielder’s contract includes a €60 million release clause. Hence it is impossible to imagine as Barcelona might not pay that cost this summer due to their financial difficulties. Zubimendi was once again an important player for his Basque team during the 2022-23 season. He appeared 44 times across all competitions, scoring one goal and registering four assists. Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil recently stated that he is sure of retaining the 24-year-old this summer. However the midfielder’s attention is likely to be drawn towards Camp Nou.
Barcelona eyes Bayern superstar Joshua Kimmich
The future of Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich is currently the subject of much conjecture. The Germany international said to be open to leaving Allianz Arena this summer. The 28-year-old is desired by Barcelona, according to Xavi. However any deal for him is dependent on Bayern, and it is thought that the Bundesliga giants are not interested in selling him. Kimmich is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and his arrival at Camp Nou would be a massive statement of commitment from the Catalan giants.
The German was once again in fine form for Bayern during the 2022-23 season, appearing on 47 occasions across all competitions and recording seven goals and 11 assists. Kimmich has been playing with the Munich giants for eight years, earning a slew of titles along the way, so it would not be surprising to see him seek a new challenge, and a glitzy move to Barcelona would be certainly appealing.
Defensive prowess of Sofyan Amrabat attracts the Catalans
Sofyan Amrabat had an excellent 2022-23 season for Fiorentina, appearing 49 times in all competitions. He helped the club to reach the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League finals. The 26-year-old might leave this summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United frontrunners for his signature. Amrabat’s agent recently stated that Fiorentina are eager to transfer the Moroccan international this summer. The same agent said that Barcelona turned down a loan bid for the midfielder in January. The Moroccan was in superb form for his country at the 2022 World Cup, guiding them to the semi-finals, and it would not be surprising to see him make a move this summer.
Amrabat has only scored once and supplied one assist in 107 appearances for Fiorentina. So he is unlikely to be a creative force, but his defensive skills are great, and he would undoubtedly provide an extra dimension to Barcelona’s midfield that was lacking during the 2022-23 season.
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