Bayern Munich ready to pay €60 million for Barcelona boss Xavi’s preferred midfield target

If there is one position in the Barcelona squad that requires immediate attention, it is the defensive midfield spot.

After parting ways with Sergio Busquets, Oriol Romeu was acquired for a cheap fee of €3.4 million last summer.

However, apart from the 32-year-old’s obvious inability to serve as a long-term replacement, his performances have not induced optimism as of late either, compelling Xavi to field Ilkay Gundogan in his position.

As such, the market for defensive midfielders is being carefully studied by the hierarchy, with a number of names shortlisted.

But competition may force the Catalan giants to chalk some names off the list, as financially, Barcelona are not best placed to make a mammoth investment.

Zubimendi on Bayern’s radar

Indeed, according to BILD, via SPORT, Martin Zubimendi, one of the players eagerly wanted by Xavi, may end up moving to Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians are looking forward to creating a duopoly of Joshua Kimmich and Zubimendi at the base of midfield and are prepared to go all out to beat Barcelona to his signing.

This summer, Zubimendi chose to extend his contract with Real Sociedad, refusing to leave the club for Barcelona despite a release clause of €60 million.

Bayern Munich are now prepared to pay this amount as long as the player gives his approval for the transfer.

As such, Barcelona believe that executing the operation to sign Zubimendi is nearly impossible, more so in light of their financial state.

Barcelona have their work cut out

Zubimendi’s performances this season have been ascending, with his quality starkly evident to onlookers, but as his exhibitions grow in quality, so do his suitors.

And competition does not simply confine itself to Bayern Munich. Premier League heavyweights are also eyeing the player’s situation, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal another admirer of the player.

As such, gathering the finances for a player in red-hot form but also a player on the wishlist of several other financially strong clubs makes things tricky for the Blaugranes.

Nonetheless, Barcelona are expected to keep their eyes peeled for pivot midfielders, given that reinforcing the position is a priority next summer.