Xavi is eager to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi on a transfer to Arsenal, following a change of heart on his future as Barcelona manager.
Being a huge fan of the 25-year-old defensive midfielder, Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Zubimendi has long been linked to a move to the Emirates.
Earlier in the year, it was reported that Arteta and Zubimendi had previously discussed that the Spain international might be interested in joining Arsenal.
Arsenal may exercise Zubimendi’s €60 million (£52.6 million) release clause during the next summer transfer window, according to Metro.
However, Xavi, who on Thursday decided to change his mind about leaving Barcelona at the end of the season ‘loves’ Zubimendi.
That is a setback for Arsenal, who hope to improve their team in time for the 2024–25 campaign by bringing in Zubimendi to replace Thomas Partey this summer.
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With Partey, a 30-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, earning hefty salaries, it is said that Arsenal is looking to unload him to a Saudi Pro League squad.
Though German powerhouse Bayern Munich also want him but it’s unclear if Zubimendi would rather test his luck in the Premier League or continue in La Liga.
Xavi Reassures Barcelona Of A Better Season
Barcelona is vying for Zubimendi and this week, the Catalan team received major news when Xavi declared a reversal of course on this future.
Xavi stated during a news conference on Thursday, “Everyone 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.”
The president, the board, the staff, and the entire board expressed great trust in me, so it was crucial to have my players’ support yesterday. However, I was also informed that my job is dependent on the outcomes.
We all think that this project needs to go on; as I told the president, we think that the club will remain stable. From what I’ve seen so far, this project isn’t finished, so we need to keep going; we’re doing well; it may not look like we’ll win any trophies but we have in the past.
“I have changed my decision because I want the Barca community to understand that we need to continue working hard and consolidating the project.”
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