Barcelona are reportedly looking to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as they see the German as a replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets.
The long-serving Spanish midfielder announced last week that he would leave Camp Nou this summer when his contract expires. His decision came, despite Xavi’s desire to keep him at the club for at least another season.
But he insisted it was time to leave and wanted a new challenge. According to several reports, he is considering moving to MLS or the Saudi Pro League.
His decision to leave has forced Barca to begin a hunt for his replacement, and they have identified Kimmich as the right player to fill the gap Busquets will leave.
This is according to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo via GOAL, which claims that Kimmich is considering leaving the Allianz Arena after the surprise exit of former manager Julian Nagelsmann in March.
However, any attempt to price Kimmich away from the German club will be met with resistance, especially as Barcelona soured their relationship with Bayern after the transfer of Robert Lewandowski to Camp Nou last summer.
But should the player force the move, the Bavarian giants might insist that Barca pay a premium for the midfielder, valued at around €45m.
Moreover, Barcelona face competition for the signature of the German international. According to reports, Manchester City are also interested in the German midfielder as Ilkay Gundogan looks set to leave the club.
Pep Guardiola knows the player from his days in Munich, and it was the Spanish manager who converted Kimmich from a right-back to a defensive midfielder.
