Martin Zubimendi 'remains Barcelona's first-choice Sergio Busquets replacement'

Barcelona are reportedly still determined to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi despite the Spaniard recently penning a new long-term contract with his Basque club.

On October 14, it was announced that the 23-year-old had signed a new deal with Imanol Alguacil's side until June 2027, which was a two-year extension on his previous deal.

Zubimendi's contract includes a €90m (£78.5m) release clause, though, and according to Marca, Barcelona are still keen to bring him to Camp Nou during next summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the Catalan club's head coach Xavi views the Real Sociedad midfielder as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, who looks set to depart on a free transfer next June.

There has not yet been any official confirmation when it comes to Busquets's future, but the 34-year-old is being strongly linked with a move to the MLS.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves has recently been linked with a January switch to Camp Nou, but Barcelona will allegedly have to wait until next summer to bring in another high-profile player.

Frenkie de Jong has been used in Busquets's position this season, but there remains widespread uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman's future at Camp Nou.

Pedri and Gavi will both be at Camp Nou on a long-term basis, but Franck Kessie is already being linked with an exit, having struggled to break into the team following his summer arrival.

Zubimendi told Cadena SER last month when asked about the interest from Barcelona: "I am not worried about Barcelona right now. I have to be focused on what is coming, which is a lot and very hard."

The Spaniard has represented Real Sociedad on 111 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.

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This season, the central midfielder has made 13 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists, with his goal and assists coming in La Liga.

Busquets recently praised Zubimendi when asked about possible interest from Barcelona.

"Zubimendi is a great player, but he's from La Real. I don't know if Barcelona is interested. Both here and at Barcelona the game is very positional," said the experienced midfielder.

"You have to support, look for your partner. Luck is being able to play in the best in the world and in a great team. The coach is looking for very similar players, who assimilate the way of playing."

Zubimendi has only made one appearance for Spain, which came back in June 2021, and he is seemingly facing an uphill task to be included in the La Roja squad for the 2022 World Cup.