Laporta Rules Out Zubimendi And Kimmich Signings (1 Viewer)

[MartinGee]

Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, has made it clear that his club will not be acquiring the services of either Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad or Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich this summer. Laporta cited the high cost associated with these deals as the primary reason for their exclusion.

While Barcelona has already secured the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer, they are still expected to bring in at least one more midfielder during the current transfer window. This necessity arises from Sergio Busquets' departure, as he has left the club after his contract expired.

Although Zubimendi and Kimmich were reportedly targeted by Barcelona, Laporta has now confirmed that the financial considerations involved prevent the club from pursuing either player.

"These are operations that we are not considering at the moment, due to the significant economic level," Laporta told TV3 when asked about the duo.

Rumors have circulated suggesting that Oriol Romeu, a product of Barcelona's youth system, is being considered as a potential target for the club this summer.

At present, the 31-year-old midfielder represents Girona, having joined the Catalan team from Southampton last year. President Laporta has declined to dismiss the
possibility of a move for the former Chelsea player, keeping the door open for a potential transfer.

"As for Oriol Romeu, Deco, and Mateu [Alemany] will work on that. There are a number of names that we like and we are working on them," added the club's president.

In addition, Laporta shared insights about Ilkay Gundogan's arrival from Manchester City and addressed the contractual status of head coach Xavi, whose agreement at Camp Nou is set to conclude at the end of the upcoming season.

"He is a player who has preferred to go to a club with prestige and has put it ahead of the money at City. Xavi has also given the player confidence. We signed a player with experience. A European champion is coming, a player with proven experience," he said on Gundogan.

"When the time comes we will talk. First there are priorities and Xavi understands that. We'll talk calmly, but we want him to continue and so does he. I'm convinced that he will go further. We haven't set a date."

Furthermore, Laporta has officially verified that Barcelona is actively negotiating a deal for Arda Guler, the promising young talent from Fenerbahce. The club's sporting director, Deco, traveled to Turkey on Thursday to engage in transfer discussions.