For the current transfer window, one of the priorities of FC Barcelona is the signing of a midfield pivot. This position is one of the clearest weaknesses in the Catalan team since the departure of Sergio Busquets one year ago.
Barcelona have several players in mind to strengthen this position, but as things stand, the Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is the most likely target for the club, mainly for his quality and price.
Although he is not generating as much excitement in the Barcelona fanbase as the expected signing of Nico Williams, Hansi Flick is still looking forward to Merino’s signing.
The new Blaugrana coach wants to play with a double pivot next season, and cannot count on Andreas Christensen for midfield duties, as he will have to play in the backline after Araujo’s injury.
The midfielder has a contract with Real Sociedad till 2025 and is going to return to training with La Reale on 5th August. However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, there are three main clubs vying for his signature, but the midfielder himself is tempted by a potential move to FC Barcelona.
One of these three clubs is the Premier League side Arsenal, who are very interested in him and are open to paying €30 million for him without any installments. Thus, this will be the preferred move for Real Sociedad, but the player himself has not yet given his definitive approval and has also not ruled out such a transfer.
Meanwhile, like Arsenal, Barcelona will also offer him a chance to play in the Champions League. However, the Catalans will ask to pay his fee in installments, and cannot offer him a salary as high as he will get with Arsenal. They would also have to guarantee his registration with La Liga, but the player himself is still keen on a move to Barcelona.
Another club from the Bundesliga is also interested, but its identity remains unknown. In contrast, Atletico Madrid has been ruled out as a potential destination, as the Spanish pivot was not fully convinced by the project proposed by the Madrid-based club.
Furthermore, the Mattress Makers have already got Le Normand from La Reale and might not look to make another advance on Sociedad’s players.
