Barcelona have positive reports on 25-year-old Arsenal midfield target

The rumour mill has been in overdrive of late as a host of midfielders continue to be linked with a move to Barcelona. This is a result of the club’s search for a replacement for captain Sergio Busquets, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has emerged as manager Xavi Hernandez’s preferred option for the role, even though he has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract.

However, SPORT reports that the option of signing multiple players in the midfield position is being looked at, at the moment, with Barcelona keeping tabs on several players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.

One of the many such midfielders that Barça are keeping tabs on is Leicester City as Youri Tielemans.

The 25-year-old Belgian international is in the final few months of his contract with the Premier League club and has shown no indication that he will renew, alerting the Catalan giants, along with some other clubs.

The report states that Barcelona have received positive reports on Tielemans and he is an option under consideration, even though he is not a pivot midfielder.

However, the Blaugrana will have to deal with interest from Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of the former AS Monaco ace and had made attempts to sign him in the last summer.

Apart from Tielemans, there have also been links with Chelsea duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, with reports indicating that there have already been contacts with the former about a move. While the latter is also appreciated, his recent injury problems are seen as a red flag.

Ruben Neves is another name on the list, with superagent Jorge Mendes offering the Wolves star to Barcelona.

There is a possibility that the Catalans could sign someone in January and another player in the summer when Busquets moves on. As to who would arrive at Spotify Camp Nou, only time will tell.