Bayern Munich, Arsenal set sights on €60 million-rated Barcelona midfield target

Barcelona face a tricky summer transfer window ahead. The club administration has set sights on renewing resources in several positions, with the defensive midfield specifically on the agenda.

Andreas Christensen has played well as a makeshift pivot for Barcelona in place of the out-of-form Oriol Romeu but does not offer a sustainable solution in the long run.

Martin Zubimendi, on that front, has been an option for Barcelona for a long time now and could re-emerge as a priority target in June.

Strong competition

As revealed by BILD (h/t SPORT) in a recent update, the Real Sociedad midfielder is on the radar of Bayern Munich as the Bavarians prepare for a fresh start next season.

Xabi Alonso is well-placed to replace Thomas Tuchel at the helm, and the potential new manager has worked with Zubimendi before at the youth levels at the Basque club.

The German club’s sudden interest in the La Liga star is because of the anticipated departure of Joshua Kimmich, another Barcelona target.

A man in demand. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Zubimendi’s release clause currently stands at €60 million, a fee that Bayern do not see as excessive for a player who is still 25 years of age.

Arsenal, moreover, are also set to enter the race for the star defensive midfielder, having been long-term admirers of him, further complicating Barcelona’s dream of signing him.

Need for sales

With the anticipated funds from the sale of Barça Studios not arriving, Joan Laporta & co. are under pressure to sell some big names if they hope to sign a new pivot and Joao Cancelo among other targets.

All eyes, thus, fall on the overstaffed central defence. At least two big departures are expected from the defensive department this summer, with even Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde considered saleable assets.

The likes of Clement Lenglet, Eric Garcia, and Chadi Riad who are on loan could all seal departures from Barcelona as well.