Premier League duo on Barcelona’s radar as pivot options for the summer

Barcelona have a fair bit of business to conduct during the summer transfer window, with several positions in the squad in need of reinforcement.

This includes signing a right-back, a left-winger, a left-footed centre-back, but probably most importantly, a defensive midfielder.

With Sergio Busquets’ contract expiring in the summer, the Catalans are in a rather difficult position regarding their midfield options. Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto, and Franck Kessie can all put in a shift as a pivot, but are all probably better off in other roles.

As such, Xavi has requested the Barcelona board to renew Busquets for another season, at least.

However, as per a report by Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona want to sign a defensive midfielder this summer regardless of Busquets’ final decision.

Their priority is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard has a €60 million release clause, which makes his signing difficult. As such, the focus has shifted to Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

The reliable journalist also claims that Barcelona are also looking at Ruben Neves and N’Golo Kante for that role.

The problem, unfortunately, is that the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder does not convince Xavi and his coaching staff as a single pivot.

Joan Laporta, on the other hand, is reportedly a huge fan of Neves and is convinced that he would be a great fit for Barça. But the board will not go ahead with any signing without Xavi’s approval.

Kante, on the other hand, is close to renewing his contract with Chelsea, which will rule out his signing as well.

The Chelsea midfielder also carries a rather problematic injury record, and only returned to action recently after being sidelined for eight months.

Barcelona were close to signing Amrabat in the winter in a loan-plus-option-to-buy deal worth around €40 million. Fiorentina rejected their offer, though, despite the Moroccan’s desire to move to Camp Nou.