With the summer transfer window not very far away, FC Barcelona are starting to make their moves to strengthen the squad in the summer.
As is well-established by now, a new pivot midfielder is at the top of the wishlist at Barça, with two names – Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) being the preferred options.
Zubimendi, for one, remains Xavi’s preferred option, with the manager seeking his services since last summer following Sergio Busquets.
Now, it appears that there has been some major development with regard to Barcelona’s pursuit of Zubimendi.
Deco meets Zubimendi’s agent
Indeed, as per journalist Carlos Monfort (h/t SPORT), Barcelona sporting director Deco held a meeting with the representative of Martin Zubimendi earlier this week on Monday.
The report states that at the summit there was good harmony between the two parties, but it was, at the same time, a bitter reality check for Barça.
The Catalan club informed the agent that Zubimendi is indeed one of their priorities when it comes to reinforcing the pivot position. He is not the only option, but he is the one at the top of the list – ahead of Kimmich.
However, the meeting also served to ratify that the only option to get Zubimendi is to pay his €60 million termination clause. There is no alternative.
Zubimendi open to exit, but a distant dream for Barcelona
Although Zubimendi is happy and feels highly valued at Real Sociedad, that does not mean that he has closed the doors on an exit.
Last summer, Zubimendi had his sights set on playing in the Champions League with the Basque club. Now, he knows that if he stays in San Sebastian he will not participate in the continental competition next season.
There is interest from clubs in the Premier League, with Arsenal among his suitors. And while a move to the English top-flight attracts Zubimendi, the desire of Xavi wanting him also appeals to the midfielder.
However, at the moment, Zubimendi remains only a dream for Barcelona. The Catalan giants would have to overcome multiple obstacles before being able to make an economic investment worth €60 million.
