In the last few weeks, FC Barcelona have fully focused their efforts on the signing of two attacking players, i.e., Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. This situation is starkly in contrast with how this transfer window was expected to go, as the Blaugranes were expected to sign a midfield pivot as their first priority.
Several players were linked with Barcelona for this position, with the Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino the most closely associated midfielder with the Catalans in the last few months. However, the Blaugranes’ full focus on reinforcing their attack can cause them to miss out on this pivot target.
Latest reports on Merino indicate that he is very close to joining the Premier League side Arsenal, and can complete this move in the coming days.
However, SPORT reports that he was actually keen to join Barcelona, and had even made a last contact with the Catalans to speed up their efforts to sign him. However, he is no longer willing to wait for Barcelona any longer and, unless there is a surprise, will play in the Premier League next season.
The Blaugranes were also keen to sign him before the UEFA EURO 2024 started and had also designed a schedule for his transfer. However, Nico Williams’ explosive performances in the international competition disturbed Barcelona’s transfer plans, as they froze the Merino option to focus on the signing of Nico and Olmo.
This situation at the Catalan club led Merino to consider other options, as he is firm in his decision to leave Real Sociedad this summer. His entourage had also been in contact with Atletico Madrid, although Arsenal have made the best offer for both the player and Real Sociedad.
La Reale are asking for around €30 million for him, although he only has one year left on his contract. But negotiations between them and the Premier League side are on track, and the final agreement can come in the next few days.
