Last year, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad was at the top of the wishlist for FC Barcelona as they sought a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
However, the Catalans’ financial situation, coupled with his contract extension at La Real, albeit without increasing his €60 million release clause, meant that a move did not materialise.
Despite that, Zubimendi has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona as their pursuit of a new defensive pivot continues ahead of the summer window.
Things quiet with Barcelona-Zubimendi
However, as per Fabrizio Romano, things have gone quiet as far as Barcelona and their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi is concerned.
Instead, the Spanish international is being pursued by two other European heavyweights in Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Arsenal have had Zubimendi on their radars for a long time and have him on their shopping list for the upcoming summer.
Zubimendi no longer a target for Barça? (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich also have a strong interest in the Real Sociedad ace, although any move for him would depend on who the club’s new manager will be, with Thomas Tuchel on his way out at the end of the season.
Barcelona looking at other options
With things going quiet on the Zubimendi front, Barcelona are looking at several other possible candidates for the pivot midfield role.
One of the main targets appears to be Everton and Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, although his €60 million asking price will be a roadblock for the Catalan giants.
More economic solutions like Mats Wieffer of Feyenoord and Khephren Thuram of OGC Nice are also being looked at by the sporting department led by director Deco.
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-go-quiet-in-race-for-la-liga-midfielder-wanted-by-arsenal-and-bayern-munich/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2024-04-01 09:44:17
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