Barcelona have new #1 target for the summer as they search for Sergio Busquets' replacement - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly pushing to sign Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich this summer. The Catalan side see the German midfielder as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets.
As per a report in RAC1, Xavi is keen on working with Kimmich and is pushing the Blaugrana board to seal the transfer. He wants a defensive midfielder signed, and the Bayern Munich man is now their #1 target.
The German midfielder is reported to be unhappy at the Bundesliga side and is eyeing a move away. However, Bayern insist that they will not entertain offers for Kimmich, as they see him as a key part of the club's future.
Kimmich spoke about playing abroad in a recent interview and told So Foot:
"That would be an interesting challenge. I don't know what will happen in a few years, we'll see. I have a very good coach who is an advocate of attractive football. I have a lot of fun here, but somewhere in my head there is always this professional and personal challenge of one day reaching new horizons to discover."
Kimmich has been excellent for Bayern Munich since joining the club from Stuttgart in 2015. He has made 345 appearances for the club and also contributed 40 goals and 94 assists.
Apart from Kimmich, Barcelona also have Ilkay Gundogan, N'Golo Kante, Nordin Amrabat, Marcelo Brozovic, Martín Zubimendi, Hugo Guillamón, and Nico González on their radar.
Sergio Busquets to leave Barcelona this summer
Sergio Busquets has confirmed that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. He has called it quits after spending the majority of his career at the club and is now eyeing a fresh challenge.
He sent a message to the fans via the club's social media channels and said:
"The time has come to announce that this will be my last season with Barca. It has been an unforgettable journey. I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and at this stadium and reality has exceeded all my dreams."
He added:
"I wouldn't have believed it you if you had told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play 15 seasons at the best club in the world and surpass 700 matches. It has been an honour, a dream, a source of pride and meant everything to defend and represent this badge for so many years. Although it has not been an easy decision I think the time has come."
Busquets has made 720 appearances for Barcelona over the years, winning numerous trophies.
Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian sides are fighting for Busquets's signature this summer (via GOAL).