For the upcoming summer transfer window, one of the main priorities for FC Barcelona would be to strengthen the midfield pivot position, as this has been the most prominent area of weakness for the Catalan side since the departure of Sergio Busquets at the end of the last season.
Deco and his staff have been reported to be keeping an eye on several players for this role in the last few months, and Mundo Deportivo has identified the seven players that have been linked with Barcelona in this regard. The situation of these seven players is discussed in the section below:
Amadou Onana
The Everton midfielder is currently one of the favorite options for Barcelona as they look for a physical destroyer in the midfield. However, his high price can make a move complicated for the Catalans.
Joshua Kimmich
Everything indicates that the German international is going to leave Bayern Munich in the coming summer, especially as his current contract goes only till 2025. He has been linked with Barcelona for years, but the Catalans can sign him only if he leaves Bayern as a free agent in 2025.
Aleix Garcia
Barcelona have been linked with Girona captain for a good part of this season. The 26-year-old has a more attacking profile than most other players being looked upon by Barcelona for this position. The Blaugranes believe he can be incorporated for €14-15 million, but including players in a deal for him can further decrease his price.
Khephren Thuram
The French international has been linked with Barcelona in the last few weeks, and is one of the more recent additions to this list. He has a contract with Nice till 2025, and is not a traditional Barcelona pivot, but one who excels more in a physical sense. He is currently valued at €35 million.
Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi is one of the favorite candidates for Xavi for this position, as he continues to play at a high level for Real Sociedad. La Reale had referred to his release clause of €60 million when Barcelona tried to sign him last summer, and other clubs like Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also interested in him.
Stanislav Lobotka
Currently one of the key parts of the Napoli squad, but was attracting attention from Barcelona also when he was playing in Spain with Celta Vigo. His agent has confirmed negotiations with Deco for a possible move.
Jorginho
The Arsenal midfielder is one of the more experienced candidates being considered by Deco, who can possibly arrive as a free agent at Barcelona as Arsenal have not yet executed the optional year in his contract. He can have an immediate impact at Barcelona, but his age can be a negative factor.
