RUBEN NEVES is reportedly set to complete a free transfer to Barcelona.
However there is one issue with the move, manager Xavi does not want the Wolves star.
According to Fichajes, the Spanish boss does not have “absolute confidence” in the Arsenal transfer target to play in the key position.
Neves is said to have agreed on a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, however, the move still relies on Ansu Fati agreeing terms with Wolves.
The club will not be spending any money on signing the Portuguese international as he will be involved in a swap deal that will see highly-rated Fati, 20, move the other way.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes represents both the players and will be handling the negotiations.
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The report claims that Xavi would prefer to sign a different Arsenal target to play the role instead.
The outlet suggests that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is his preferred choice.
He has been tipped as one of the best midfielders in Spain, with Xavi suggesting he is an “extraordinary pivot”.
He said: “They mirror a bit our style of play.
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“Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barça, and he dominates with and without the ball.”
Zubimendi has a release clause of £52million, a transfer that would be a lot more expensive for Barcelona.
The club is still dealing with the financial issues that have been a hindrance over the last year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
