FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is pushing for a move for his former teammate Lionel Messi and Real Sociedad’s midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Xavi wants Zubimendi to replace Sergio Busquets, who announced that he will be leaving the club by the end of the season.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is making progress on a deal to sign Ruben Neves despite Xavi’s preference for the Spanish midfielder, according to ESPN.
The Portuguese was of interest to Barca last summer and has emerged as an option once again. The move is the subject of an internal debate at Camp Nou. Laporta, who maintains a close relationship with Neves' agent Jorge Mendes, is keen to bring in the Portugal international, but Xavi is unconvinced he is fit for his style of play.
Fiorentina’s midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was another midfielder on the radar of the Catalan club in order to replace Busquets in the summer.
Amrabat, 26, runs out of his current contract with the Italian club in 2024, keen on moving to Barca meanwhile as per the latest reports, the La Liga leaders' interest has waned in recent weeks. Laporta, therefore, will continue to work on a deal for Neves, who is also moving into the final 12 months of this contract.
Messi, who had been currently linked to his former club for the last six months, is eyeing a move from the French team Paris Saint Germain.
There have been strong rumours of the world-cup winner joining Barca but according to the club, no contract has been made with Leo’s entourage.
There were rumours of the Argentine signing a “big money” contract with the Saudi club Al-Hilal.
However, Messi’s father Jorge Messi denied all the rumours saying that nothing would be agreed with anyone before the end of the season, a few days ago in an Instagram post.
The Catalan club is also in talks with their winger Ousmane Dembele to renew his contract as the Frenchman is considered one of the most important players in Xavi’s project.