Bayern Munich considering winter move for €60 million Barcelona, Arsenal target

Over the last season, Barcelona’s primary concern heading into the 2023 summer transfer window was the defensive midfield position. Sergio Busquets departed the club on a free transfer, leaving behind a gaping hole.

Barcelona, hindered by financial trouble, could not splash the cash on the big names in the market, and ended up signing Oriol Romeu from Girona for €3.5 million.

Romeu was never the club’s top choice for the role, though. While there were rumours linking Barça with Joshua Kimmich, Ruben Neves, and Guido Rodriguez, Xavi wanted a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

With a release clause of €60 million, Barcelona could not afford his signing, hoping they would be able to pursue it next year. However, now, the Catalans face giant competition.

Enter Bayern Munich

According to a report by SPORT, Bayern Munich have entered the race for Zubimendi’s signature, and are looking to sign him in the winter to reinforce their midfield.

Currently, Joshua Kimmich plays the role of the no. 6 for the German outfit, but coach Thomas Tuchel has publicly stated that he does not consider him an ideal fit for the role, saying that he is more suited for an advanced position.

As such, they want to go into the market hoping to sign a pivot who can matches the profile of the player Tuchel is looking for.

Further, Kimmich’s contract with Bayern expires in the summer of 2025, and the player is not thinking about a renewal right now. The player is not completely happy about his situation in Bavaria, and could choose to leave soon.

As far as Zubimendi is concerned, he only recently renewed his contract with Sociedad, up until 2028, which came with a release clause of €60 million.

He has maintained that he wants to stay with La Real, but it is important to note that no formal offer has come to the table for him despite Barcelona, and Arsenal’s long-standing interest in his services.