Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring the progress of 19-year-old Barcelona defender Xavi Espasart. As reported by CaughtOffside, scouts from both clubs have been present at matches, preparing comprehensive evaluation reports on the promising talent.
Espasart, a product of the renowned La Masia academy, is highly regarded for his technical skills, tactical awareness, and versatility across multiple positions. Barcelona's head coach, Hans-Dieter Flick, has even drawn comparisons between the young defender and former German international Philipp Lahm, signalling the high expectations surrounding him.
Barcelona protects their talent
On October 8, 2026, Barcelona announced they had secured a new contract with Espasart that runs until June 30, 2030. The deal includes a buyout clause exceeding €100 million, approximately £87 million.
However, CaughtOffside reports that Barcelona may be open to considering offers in the range of €40–50 million plus bonuses, which translates to around £35–43 million excluding any additional payments.
It is important to note that, at this stage, there have been no confirmed offers from English clubs; the current situation revolves solely around scouting and assessment rather than active negotiations.
Who else is interested in Espasart?
Aside from Arsenal and Tottenham, the young defender has also attracted the attention of Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus, all keen to monitor his development.
For Arsenal, Espasart's abilities in ball progression and his movement into central areas of the pitch could prove highly beneficial. Meanwhile, Tottenham might see him as a long-term solution to bolster their defensive line.
As it stands, the situation remains observational. With a contract in place until 2030 and a substantial buyout clause, Barcelona holds a strong negotiating position, meaning any further interest will hinge on the willingness of potential buyers to put forward a concrete offer.
