Ahead of the summer transfer window, Xavi has confirmed some of the positions of reinforcements for Barcelona. A list that definitely starts with defensive midfield now that Sergio Busquets is leaving, but also includes a fair few other roles.
“The priority would be a defensive midfielder, but we also need a striker and a midfielder, and a right back… I think that next week we will know exactly what situation we have,” Xavi said during an interview released earlier today.
While he has mentioned a central midfielder quite low in the list, it seems that position could be the first to be reinforced in the summer through none other than Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan.
The German star is set to become a free agent in the summer, and has been on Barcelona’s radar for a while, now.
Further, according to reports from SPORT, Barcelona have now tabled a three-year offer for Gundogan, and are confident about completing the signing.
Barcelona had initially also offered Gundo a three-year contract, but that was dissected as a two-year fixed deal with the option to extend it for another year if the club wanted to. However, the refreshed deal offered by the club is nailed for three years.
The blaugranes have also assured him that he will be registered in time and will be a starter in the side.
Gundogan preferred Barcelona’s offer over Manchester City’s single-year renewal deal tabled to him, but there was a twist in the tale as the Sky Blues improved their offer in the last fortnight.
Arsenal are also circling him in the hopes of completing the signing, but it seems that the player wants to end his time in the Premier League and move abroad for a new adventure. His wife, too, reportedly prefers Barcelona.
And while the 32-year-old has also lowered his salary to meet Barcelona’s financial demands, it was not easy to convince him, especially with Man City’s renewal offers till fresh on the table.
Barcelona’s project and his role in the team, though, went a long way in influencing his decision, which seems to be swaying towards La Liga right now.
Gundogan will announce his future after the Champions League final against Inter Milan, but it could well be the second Bosman move Barcelona complete this summer transfer window, as they have also been in pursuit of Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez.