Mikel Merino is a player Barcelona admires and has been connected with during the summer window, but it appears that he is sliding away from them. Arsenal poses a significant danger in the transfer battle.
The Euros cult star has been one of Real Sociedad’s top players in recent years. His contract with the Anoeta expires next summer, and he is expected to be available on a cheap transfer this summer, causing Barcelona and Arsenal to investigate into him.
Barcelona’s financial condition prevents them from making a bid for the 28-year-old. According to SPORT, Arsenal are interested in signing the Spaniard, but the Catalan club has informed him that they can only afford his signing if Frenkie de Jong goes.
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According to the source, an offer of roughly €25 million is due from London, which Real Sociedad is likely to accept given the player’s decision not to renew his contract. The player prefers a move to the Premier League or the Catalan capital above Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in him.
FC Barcelona is now focusing on their top transfer targets, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. Despite Deco’s fondness for Merino, signing him is doubtful without a major sale, such as Frenkie de Jong.
Merino and De Jong have quite distinct playing styles. The Spaniard is a better ball winner and passer than the Dutchman, who compensates for his lack of passing range with world-class ball-carrying talents.
Selling one to sign the other does not make sense, especially given De Jong’s profile, which is impossible to recreate at Barcelona. The club lost greatly during his absence last season due to injuries, and this is not a sale they should consider.
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