- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC sources have confirmed that Manchester City and Barcelona were present for the Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany.
Manchester City have been quiet in the transfer window so far but HITC has reported that they have finalised a deal to sign Brazilian winger Savio.
As for Barcelona, the Spanish side have made Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams their top target this summer and HITC understands that Joan Laporta has urged the club to finalise the deal this summer.
Both clubs could be about to battle it out to sign one German ace with sources confirming to HITC that Joshua Kimmich was the player they were watching.
City and Barcelona set to do battle for German midfielder
HITC has previously reported that City and Barcelona were keen on the German and were set to do battle to sign the Bayern Munich ace this summer.
Kimmich is understood to have made it clear to Bayern Munich that he does not want to sign a new deal. Kimmich had previously fallen out with the club when Thomas Tuchel was in charge, but despite Vincent Kompany arrival – he is looking to leave the Allianz Arena.
Another side who have entered the race for Kimmich is understood to be Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who are keen on signing a new midfielder this summer to bolster their ranks.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was previously the club’s top target but the Gunners are understood to be ready to pivot away from the Spaniard as there is a belief from those at the Emirates Stadium that his preference is Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Talks over Kimmich’s future set to intensify
With Hansi Flick as the new manager at Barcelona as a replacement for former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, those at the Nou Camp have to believe they have a chance of signing Kimmich.
As well as Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen on Kimmich and have looked at what it would take to land but it is understood Kimmich’s former managers Pep Guardiola, who once described Kimmich as a ‘strong’ midfielder, and Flick are leading the chase for the 29-year-old midfielder.
After Germany’s exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of Spain, sources have told HITC that talks over Kimmich’s future are set to intensify.
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