The announcement of Sergio Busquets’ impending departure from FC Barcelona not only drew a line under a remarkable era in the history of the La Liga champions – the third member of the Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Busi dynasty bowing out after yet another domestic title – it also served to bring about a major alteration to the club’s summer transfer plans.
Xavi, former team-mate and now coach of the long-serving defensive midfielder, was expected to place a new right-back at the top of his wishlist. Now, however, finding a replacement for Busquets – while easier said than done – is challenge numero uno.
“Right-back is not the No. 1 priority,” the Barcelona boss tells ESPN. “Busquets is going. So it is obvious we need a top-level defensive midfielder for next season.
“Our captain is leaving, so we need a very good player to come in. We have to replace him in the best possible way. From there, there are other priorities and the more we strengthen, the better. We want to be more competitive.”
Barcelona out of Benjamin Pavard race
Reports linking Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard with a move to the Camp Nou, therefore, have gone by the wayside, as Fiorentina’s tough-tackling Sofyan Amrabat and Real Sociedad enforcer Martin Zubimendi take giant strides towards the top of Xavi’s pecking order.
Pavard, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, is out of contract next year. Bayern Munich, according to Sport, are willing to listen to offers in the region of £30 million. Arsenal and Newcastle United are among those who 90Min believe are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old’s situation.
Pavard, a highly-versatile, reliable performer, ticks plenty of boxes for an Arsenal side who appear to be prioritising those capable of playing in multiple positions, a la Ben White and Leandro Trossard.
The former Stuttgart stopper has also accumulated 13 trophies for club and country. That title-winning nous could come in very handy at an Arsenal side who choked with the Premier League crown on the line, especially with one of Arteta’s most experienced players – Granit Xhaka – heading out the door.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will need quantity and quality this summer. Pavard can help out in both departments; providing competition in multiple positions for a Magpies’ side who’s existing squad would be stretched thin by European and domestic commitments.
Newcastle secured Champions League qualification on Monday night despite a frustrating 0-0 draw with relegation-threatened Leicester City.
Pavard, meanwhile, appeared bound for Barcelona at the start of the year. Now, with both Barca and fellow suitors Manchester United moving away from right-backs towards other targets, do not be surprised to see either Arsenal or Newcastle emerge as the newest frontrunner for his signature.
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