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Barcelona have reportedly agreed a two-year deal with former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu.
The Blaugrana are keen on signing the La Masia product as a replacement for the legendary Sergio Busquets, who left on a free transfer this summer to join Inter Miami in the MLS.
As per SPORT, Barcelona are working behind the scenes to get Xavi the player he wants after Busquets' exit. They have several players on the list but have closed in on Romeu.
The club have agreed a two-year deal for the 31-year-old's return to the club and will have an optional year on his deal. He has a €8 million release clause in his contract at Girona, but the Blaugrana are looking to agree a lower fee.
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The report adds that the transfer could be sealed in the next 24-48 hours, as all parties are in favour of the move. Blaugrana have got Ilkay Gundogan this summer on a free transfer to bolster their midfield.
What Barcelona manager Xavi has said about replacing Sergio Busquets?
Xavi has been open about his transfer plans and has pushed Barcelona to sign a defensive midfielder this summer. He says that the club does not have a player who can walk in and replace Sergio Busquets, so they need to sign one.
Oriol Romeu, who has two goals in 47 La Liga games, has been shortlisted to replace the Barcelona legend. Xavi was quoted by SPORT about replacing Busquets:
"Whoever is the most complete, whoever is the best pivot to replace Busquets. We depend on fair play and the economic situation. The profile must be a very decisive player, a player who is strong to win duels and is intelligent, technically sound. (That's) the natural replacement for Busi."
He added:
"Yes, there have been some. Samper, Oriol Romeu? Yaya Toure had to leave, a spectacular player. We've been lucky that Busquets has never been injured. Players eventually decide that they have to leave.
"Now it's time to find a replacement because we're not sure if we have one at home. We have to find that piece if we want to compete next year. It's fundamental. Busi has been vital this year, very important. We have to find a very important player. It is key to be able to compete next season."
Sergio Busquets made 722 appearances across competitions for Barcelona spanning 15 seasons, scoring 18 goals. He won 32 trophies, including nine La Liga and three UEFA Champions Leagues.
