Barcelona suffered another hit ahead of the summer transfer window after the Messi move failed, with their top defensive midfield target unwilling to leave his current club.
Barcelona have been handed a blow in their chase for a defensive midfielder, as top target Martin Zubimendi has publicly expressed his unwillingness to leave Real Sociedad.
The Blaugrana are in the market in search of a top pivot after Sergio Busquets announced he was leaving the club.
Xavi Hernandez is said to be a big fan of the la Reale midfielder and has named him as his preferred candidate for the position, but the player has ruled out a move this summer.
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What Zubimendi said
The midfielder was speaking in a recent interview when he was questioned about his future and the link to Barcelona.
He brushed it aside, suggesting that he would rather remain at La Reale than join the Blaugrana.
During the last home game of the season, Zubimendi took Illaramendi's No. 4 jersey in a symbolic gesture.
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He reiterated that he would rather replace the former Real Madrid man than Sergio Busquets at Barcelona.
The midfielder also reportedly turned down the chance to join Arsenal in the January transfer window, insisting on continuing with his boyhood club.
“I’m more motivated to take Illarramendi's #4 than Sergio Busquets’ #5.”
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