Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that his club will sign a replacement for Sergio Busquets this summer and talked-up the quality of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
Busquets will end his long association with the Catalan giants next month when he departs following the expiration of his contract.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said after the club's La Liga title win last weekend that he is looking to strengthen the squad in all outfield positions this summer despite the financial issues that are still present.
Zubimendi continues to be linked with a move to Camp Nou, while Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the Spain international.
The 24-year-old is expected to be in the Real Sociedad side that face Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday, and Xavi has lavished praise on the central midfielder ahead of the match.
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"We must sign a pivot this summer, it's a priority to have a new player there following Busquets' exit," Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
"I consider Zubimendi as an extraordinary pivot, top player - he understands the game very well, he dominates with and without the ball. Zubimendi plays the kind of football that we like here at Barca, it's our style."
Zubimendi has again been a vital player for his Basque club this season, making 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing three goals in the process.
The midfielder signed a new long-term contract with Imanol Alguacil's side last October, but there is believed to be a release clause of €60m (£52m) in the deal.
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Xavi also discussed his own future on Friday, with Barcelona planning to offer him a new contract.
The 43-year-old's existing deal at Camp Nou is due to expire next summer, but he has revealed that discussions over an extension are currently taking place.
"We are talking about it, it won't be a problem, but it's not the priority now. I have one more year on my contract. I will never be a problem for Barca, despite having read that there are disagreements," he added.
"I would stay for the rest of my life, but this is about results and performance. This season is paying off for me. We're looking forward to doing even bigger things. It will depend on the results.
"At the moment, I wouldn't change the season we had for any other. We have to remember where we come from. We've had a great season, there's no need to compare with other clubs. Our standards are from the inside, with the efforts of the board. It is the merit of everyone and I feel very proud."
Barcelona were confirmed as La Liga champions last weekend when they beat Espanyol in the Catalan derby, while they also lifted the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year.
Matt Law
