Bayern Munich could pursue swap deal with Barcelona for Kimmich, two players on radar

Barcelona’s top priority this summer would be exploring the market to sign a holding midfielder, which has been a problem for the club for the entirety of this season.

Oriol Romeu has not been able to adapt to Barcelona’s high level, while others such as Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan are much better elsewhere. Andreas Christensen has done a solid job, but is merely a stop-gap.

As such, Xavi has requested the signing of a top pivot this summer, with two names coming on top of the list as his favourites in the form of Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

The latter’s price tag of €60 million has not, and likely will not move due to his release clause, but the former could well be on the move this summer.

Bayern targeting Barcelona duo

While Bayern continue to push for Kimmich’s renewal, they will not wait on him hand and foot for too long. The German wants to leave the club, but the Champions League could change his mind.

However, in case he does not, Bayern will be happy to listen to offers for him, including from Barcelona as they target two of their assets in Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong.

According to SPORT, Bayern could very well pursue a swap deal with Barça, and demand one of the two players in exchange.

While there are teams such as PSG and Manchester City interested in Kimmich, who would offer him much more money than Barça, playing for the blaugrana under his idol, Xavi, is a very attractive option for him.

Which one goes?

As it stands, Barcelona are pursuing the free signing of Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis, with the operation said to be advanced and ‘in control’. However, the Kimmich option, if serious, could change things.

Swapping Frenkie de Jong with Kimmich – with some extra cash -, makes much more sense than offloading Ronald Araujo, who is one of the captains of the team and a very unique profile.

Bayern want €50 million for their midfield maestro, while Barcelona want at least €70 for de Jong. However, with Kimmich’s contract expiring next year, the Catalans could reduce the asking price for the player if they agree verbal terms with him beforehand.

It also makes sense for both parties, but especially Barcelona, if both transfers happen in isolation instead of clubbing them as a swap deal. It would help them balance their books.