Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed his desire to bring two new central midfielders to Camp Nou during this summer's transfer window.
Sergio Busquets will officially leave Camp on a free transfer at the end of the month, while there remains speculation surrounding the future of Franck Kessie, who could leave the club during the upcoming market.
Frenkie de Jong is set to stay, but the La Liga champions are light in central midfield, with Gavi playing further forward on a number of occasions and Pedri having his injury problems of late.
As a result, there will be movement in terms of incomings in the middle of the park, and with that in mind, Sports Mole looks at three players who are likely to be of interest to Xavi's side.
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi has made no secret of his admiration for Martin Zubimendi, calling him "an extraordinary pivot" and a "top player" just last month.
There is a feeling that the Spain international is Xavi's first-choice replacement for Busquets, but a move for the midfielder would be expensive, as he signed a new long-term contract with Real Sociedad last October.
There is a release clause of €60m (£52m) in the midfielder's deal, but it is difficult to imagine Barcelona being in a position to pay that fee this summer due to their financial problems.
Zubimendi was again a vital player for his Basque outfit during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 44 occasions in all competitions, scoring one goal and registering four assists in the process.
Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil recently said that he was confident of keeping hold of the 24-year-old this summer, but the midfielder's head is likely to be turned by the interest from Camp Nou.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
© Reuters
Joshua Kimmich's future at Bayern Munich has recently been the subject of much speculation, with the Germany international thought to be open to leaving Allianz Arena this summer.
The 28-year-old is wanted by Barcelona, Xavi recently confirmed, although any deal depends on Bayern, and it is understood that the Bundesliga giants are not open to a sale.
Kimmich is one of the finest central midfielders in world football, so his arrival at Camp Nou would be a huge statement of intent from the Catalan giants.
The German was again in strong form for Bayern during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 47 occasions in all competitions, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in the process.
Kimmich has now been with the Munich giants for eight years, winning a host of trophies, so it would not be a surprise to see him seek a fresh challenge, and a glamorous move to Barcelona would surely appeal.
Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)
© Reuters
Sofyan Amrabat enjoyed a strong 2022-23 campaign for Fiorentina, representing the club on 49 occasions in all competitions, helping them to reach the final of the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League.
The 26-year-old is set to move on this summer, though, and Barcelona are thought to be the favourites for his signature alongside Manchester United.
Amrabat's agent recently said that Fiorentina are willing to sell the Morocco international this summer, while he also claimed that Barcelona had failed with a loan offer for the midfielder in January.
The Moroccan was in brilliant form for his country at the 2022 World Cup, helping them to reach the semi-finals of the competition, and it would not be a surprise to see him make the step-up this summer.
Amrabat has only scored once and provided one assist in 107 appearances for Fiorentina, so he would not be a creative force, but his defensive work is excellent, and he would certainly give Barcelona's midfield a dimension that was missing during the 2022-23 campaign.
