Al Arabi coach Dan Petrescu has claimed Barcelona midfielder Xavi has agreed a pre-contract with the Qatari club.
The 34-year-old has a contract with Barca until 2016 but his future remains uncertain following the appointment of new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.
Reports suggested the player’s agent was at the Nou Camp yesterday to discuss Xavi’s future with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu – just hours before Petrescu made his comments live on Romanian channel Digisports.
The midfielder has been linked By Staff Reporter with a big money move to Qatar this summer where his former Spain team-mate Raul plays for Al Sadd.
And former Romanian international Petrescu said: “Xavi has signed a pre-contract with Al Arabi. It is likely that he has offers from other clubs too.
“I told Xavi that if he is prepared to run and give everything for the team, he should come here.
“We are in direct contact with the player. He is currently in Brazil focusing on his job with the national team.
“I talked to him on the phone and I appreciate that he’s an extraordinary man. If Xavi comes here, we’ll be able to attract bigger names but I’m not prepared to disclose these names now.
“Naturally I would like to bring Xavi to our team. Al Arabi can give him €8million (Dh39.8m) per year."
Xavi has spent his entire professional career with the Cataln giants, but has also watched two of his long-time team-mates move on this summer.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes has left the club on a free transfer, while defender Carles Puyol has retired and taken an administrative role with the club.
New boss Enrique took over from Tata Martino earlier this summer.
