Xavi wants Arsenal transfer target after Barcelona exit U-turn
This could be a big blow for the Gunners.
Xavi is keen to sign Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after making a U-turn over his future as Barcelona manager.
Zubimendi has long been linked with a move to the Emirates with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta a massive fan of the 25-year-old defensive midfielder.
It was claimed earlier this year that Arteta has already held talks with Zubimendi and the Spain international would be open to joining Arsenal.
Zubimendi has a €60m (£52.6m) release clause which could be triggered by Arsenal in the upcoming summer transfer window.
But Xavi, who reversed his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season on Thursday, ‘loves’ Zubimendi, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
That is a blow to Arsenal who want to replace Thomas Partey with Zubimendi this summer in an attempt to upgrade their squad ahead of the 2024-25 season.
It is thought that Arsenal are hoping to offload Ghanaian midfielder Partey to a team in the Saudi Pro League, with the 30-year-old on significant wages.
It remains to be seen if Zubimendi would prefer to stay in La Liga or test himself in the Premier League, while German giants Bayern Munich also want him.
Barcelona are hoping to win the race for Zubimendi and there was big news for the Catalan club this week as Xavi announced a U-turn over this future.
‘Everybody knows my feelings for this club, I’ve always tried to do the best for Barcelona, it’s a club I know well, the most important thing is to think about the institution,’ Xavi said at a press conference on Thursday.
‘Yesterday, I was told my job is up to the results, I’ve received a lot of confidence from the president, the board, the entire board and staff, it was important to have the support of my players as well.
‘We all believe this project needs to continue, as I told the president we believe in the stability of the club, I’ve seen now this project isn’t finished yet, we need to continue, we’re working well, it looks like we will not win any titles but we have won in the past.
‘I need the Barca community to understand this, that we need to keep working hard, consolidate the project, this is the reason why I’ve changed my decision.’
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