Xavi Hernandez wants ‘Santi Cazorla’-type player as top Barcelona transfer priority

Xavi Hernandez has mentioned Barcelona want a Santi Cazorla-type player if they’re to construct on their success of successful LaLiga this season.

The Barca boss led the membership to their first league title since 2019 however mentioned they need to strengthen this summer season in the event that they wish to take steps ahead in Europe following back-to-back group-stage exits within the Champions League.

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After lacking out on Lionel Messi, who introduced his intention to hitch Inter Miami on Wednesday, Xaxi mentioned he wants an attacking midfielder and a substitute for Sergio Busquets, who will depart the membership when his contract expires this month.

“I would sign a Santi Cazorla for Barca,” Xavi, who coached the previous Arsenal midfielder in Qatar, told Jijantes.

“He is the best player I’ve worked with as a manager. You cannot put a price on him. With the exception of Messi, Busquets and [Andres] Iniesta, he’s the player I’ve most fallen in love with. He has a talent that doesn’t exist elsewhere in the game.”

Cazorla, 38, remains to be enjoying for Al Sadd in Qatar having joined the membership in 2020 when Xavi was head coach.

Xavi had expressed often in latest weeks his need to carry Messi again to the membership, however with the Argentina ahead heading to Major League Soccer, Barca will now should focus their search elsewhere.

ESPN beforehand reported the membership have held talks with Ilkay Gundogan, whose Manchester City contract expires this month, and so they stay eager on signing the German midfielder.

However, City boss Pep Guardiola has mentioned forward of Saturday’s Champions League ultimate towards Inter Milan that he’s hopeful Gundogan will lengthen his keep on the Premier League facet.

Barca have additionally proven an curiosity in one other City midfielder, Bernardo Silva, though their monetary scenario makes a deal for the Portugal worldwide troublesome.

As they’re in extra of their LaLiga-imposed spending restrict for subsequent season, they’ll solely spend 40% of any cash they save or generate.

Xavi additionally mentioned he wants to signal a deeper midfielder to exchange Busquets, who’s in talks with Inter Miami and two Saudi Arabian sides.

“We will strengthen but people have to understand the financial situation is not easy, so we will see what we can do,” Xavi added.

“We need a Busquets replacement. A lot of names have come out: [Joshua] Kimmich, [Martin] Zubimendi, [Sofyan] Amrabat… it’s normal that names come out, but I have still not even been able to speak with the players that could leave.

“We have conferences to see what we will do. I do not know what number of midfielders have been linked. So many media shops reside off Barca: tv, radio, print… it is inconceivable to regulate that. That is the magnitude of Barca.”

Xavi said, if their financial situation allows, Barca will also look to sign a striker to help take the load off top scorer Robert Lewandowski.

Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque, who recently made his Brazil debut at the age of 18, is one of the options the club are contemplating.

“He is on the shortlist,” Xavi said. “We have degree of protection within the South American market and it is a scenario we’ve beneath management, however we come again to the identical factor: all of it depends upon the monetary scenario.”