avi 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.
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.
