Barcelona see Martin Zubimendi as a natural replacement for Sergi Busquets.
The Barca captain is expected to leave at the end of the season.
And Barça feel Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi is ready and mature enough to make the jump, says Sport.
Xavi Hernández and Jordi Cruyff believe he is capable of taking the next step in his career. The name Ruben Neves, of Wolves, has also been on the table but Zubimendi is preferred.
The Sociedad midfielder fits Busquets' profile better, is the perfect age (23), knows LaLiga like the back of his hand (won't need to adapt) and has growing experience at the top level.