A year ago
Barcelona dance to their own beat, snatching talent from Arsenal's grasp while making moves for Messi, Raphinha, and Neves.
Barcelona’s transfer activity has been making headlines recently, as they are reportedly interested in signing several players during the upcoming summer window. Xavi, the Barcelona manager, has openly discussed their pursuit of various targets, including a player who was said to be close to joining Arsenal.
After winning La Liga this season, Barcelona is expected to have a busy transfer period, with numerous players being linked to the club. However, the most prominent name in the mix is Lionel Messi, who will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain after the expiration of his contract. Xavi has expressed his desire to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp, stating that the decision will be made in the coming days. He fully supports Messi’s return and is eager to include him in his system, reiterating Barcelona’s readiness to welcome him back.
Another player who has been subject to transfer speculation is Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United just a year ago. The potential arrival of Messi might affect Raphinha’s playing time, but Xavi has firmly stated that the Brazilian winger is not for sale and will remain an integral part of the team, emphasizing his belief that Raphinha will greatly contribute to Barcelona’s success.
Xavi has also expressed his interest in reinforcing the midfield, with Wolves’ Ruben Neves being one of his preferred options. While he acknowledged Neves' Talent, Xavi played down rumors linking them to Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque, emphasizing that signing a striker is not a priority at the moment. Xavi highlighted the need for a top replacement for Sergio Busquets, indicating that finding a midfielder is their primary focus for the summer.
Additionally, Barcelona has been linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as potential midfield targets.
Zubimendi, who has also been rumored to be a target for Arsenal, was reported to be close to a deal with the Gunners in early May. Xavi confirmed his admiration for both Zubimendi and Kimmich, acknowledging their exceptional skills but recognizing that negotiations would depend on the players’ respective clubs, especially considering Kimmich’s long-term contract with Bayern.
In conclusion, Barcelona is actively pursuing several transfer targets as they prepare for the upcoming season. The potential return of Lionel Messi remains a priority, while Raphinha is expected to stay at the club despite the potential competition for playing time. Xavi aims to bolster the midfield, with Ruben Neves, Martin Zubimendi, and Joshua Kimmich all on his radar. Barcelona’s transfer plans are still taking shape, and negotiations with the players’ current clubs will play a significant role in determining their success in securing these targets.
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