Barcelona face transfer dilemma over Martin Zubimendi and Ruben Neves

Barcelona are caught in a dilemma on who to sign between Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves.

The Catalans giants are eyeing midfield reinforcements next summer when Sergio Busquets’ contract runs out.

The Blaugrana skipper’s performances have clearly dipped this season, and everything points out that he would leave Camp Nou in the summer of 2023.

Reliable journalist Gerard Romero reports that Barca are divided over Busquets’ potential replacements: Neves and Zubimendi.

Xavi is said to have been impressed by Zubmendi’s rise at La Real and wants to lure him to Camp Nou.

Whereas, Barca president Joan Laporta prefers Neves, who has been offered to the club by his super agent Jorge Mendes.

However, Xavi wants to keep hold of Busquets should Barca sign Neves, whose contract at Molineux Stadium expires in the summer of 2024 and could be available for a cheaper fee come the summer of 2023.

Zubimendi has recently penned a new deal with Real Sociedad, but Barca are keen on triggering his €60 million release clause.

Besides, Chelsea duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are on the radar of Barca, with the Champions League-winning midfielders out of contract next summer.

Kante’s injury woes don’t warrant him a future at Stamford Bridge, while Jorginho could also leave if the Blues plan an overhaul next summer.

However, Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos recently revealed that the priority is to renew the contract with the west Londoners.

Barca are looking to bring in a centre-back in the January transfer window following Gerard Pique’s retirement.

Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez turns out to be the top target, however Romero claims a January move looks impossible, and the Spanish defender could be only signed for free next summer.