Mikel Merino is a player that Barcelona admire and have been linked with this transfer window but it looks like he is slowly slipping away from their grasp. The threat of Arsenal is looming large in the transfer battle.
The Euros cult hero has been one of Real Sociedad’s best players in recent seasons. His contract at the Anoeta ends next summer and he is likely to be available on a cut-price deal this summer, prompting Barcelona and Arsenal to look at him.
Barcelona’s financial situation is preventing them from making a move for the 28-year-old. As per SPORT, Arsenal are pushing for the Spaniard’s signature but the Catalan club told him they can afford his signing only if Frenkie de Jong leaves.
The report adds that an offer is expected to arrive from London for around €25m which Real Sociedad are likely to accept considering the player isn’t renewing his contract. The player prefers a move to the Premier League or Catalan capital than Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in him.
FC Barcelona are currently focused on their priority transfer targets – Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. Despite Deco’s admiration for Merino, signing him is unlikely without a big sale like Frenkie de Jong.
Merino and De Jong are stylistically very different players. The Spaniard is a ball winner and a better passer whilst the Dutchman makes up for lack of passing range with his world-class ball-carrying abilities.
Selling one to sign the other doesn’t make sense, especially considering that De Jong’s profile is difficult to replicate at Barcelona. The club suffered a lot in his absence last season due to injury and this isn’t a sale they must consider.
De Jong has two years left on his contract but is on a very high salary. The best solution for Barcelona would be to try and negotiate a renewal with the player and keep him at the club but at more favorable terms. If this means we’ll have to miss out on Merino, then so be it.
