Xavi confirms Barcelona's interest in Joshua Kimmich

Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that his club are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are in the market for a replacement for Sergio Busquets, with the long-serving midfielder set to depart when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Kimmich's future has recently been called into question, with Barcelona and Manchester City both believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation at Bayern.

A recent report claimed that the Germany international was considering his future at Allianz Arena, having been unhappy with the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann as head coach.

Kimmich is also said to have become frustrated with the 'tense atmosphere' inside the dressing room, which could lead to him pushing for a move away from the club this summer.

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Xavi has revealed that Barcelona are keen on the 28-year-old, and the La Liga champions will make a move this summer "if there is an open door".

"He is a super top player, who understands the game in a fantastic way. If there is an open door, there will be a negotiation with Bayern," Xavi told Mundo Deportivo.

"What is clear is that we need a player of a very high level in that position, otherwise, it will be very difficult to compete next year.

"The club already knows that if I have to call someone or travel, I do it because, to begin with, I'm a cule and now I'm the Barcelona coach."

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Kimmich was again a key player for Bayern during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 47 occasions in all competitions, scoring seven times and contributing 11 assists.

The German made the move to Allianz Arena from Stuttgart in July 2015, and he has turned out for the Munich giants on 347 occasions, scoring 40 goals and registering 94 assists.

Bayern are not believed to be willing to discuss a summer exit for the midfielder, but the German outfit have previously shown a willingness to let unsettled players depart, with Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba among those recently allowed to move on.

Barcelona still have financial issues and will need to make some first-team sales this summer in order to improve their squad.

However, the departure of Busquets will remove a huge salary from the wage bill, while Jordi Alba's exit has also been confirmed, with both players preparing to make their final appearances for the club in Sunday's La Liga contest with relegation-threatened Celta Vigo.