This summer will see FC Barcelona take on a lot of different transfer operations. No two deals will be the same, and Barça will have to maneuver their way through many difficult obstacles. However, for every unique operation, Barcelona will have unique hurdles to overcome.
In terms of priority and order, the Catalan club is currently focusing mainly on the arrival of a difference-making winger. The name that continues to be talked about is that of Nico Williams, the Athletic Club star whose entourage has reportedly been given a massive guarantee recently.
However, beyond the arrival of the 22-year-old winger and possibly another attacking option, Barcelona plan to sign a new defensive midfielder. In terms of the options for this position, however, Barça will mainly look at low-cost choices given their financial limitations.
As such, 28-year-old Mikel Merino has become a name that Barça continue to be linked with. However, La Blaugrana are not the only club interested in the Real Sociedad midfielder, with the likes of both Atletico Madrid and Arsenal also being interested in the player.
Fortunately for Barcelona, according to SPORT, the player has reportedly already rejected the option of Atletico Madrid. Apparently, the sporting project presented by the Madrid-based club simply does not excite Merino and it is not one he would like to be a part of.
However, while that does eliminate one great rival for Barça in a hypothetical operation for Mikel Merino, Arsenal are still very much in the picture. The team led by Mikel Arteta seems to value Merino, and they possess a strong sporting project and the financial means to pursue his signing.
Barcelona, on the other hand, will need some time to sort out their finances. They need Merino to wait, as the Catalan club will first attempt to sign other targets, ensure possible departures, and then pursue the Real Sociedad midfielder’s arrival.
At the moment, La Blaugrana are hoping to seal Merino’s transfer at some point this summer in a deal worth around €30 million. The payment scheme for that could vary, with variables and installments being a possible inclusion, but Arsenal could present a great counter to that as they are capable of paying it directly.