Barcelona will look to include player in deal for Arsenal target Mikel Merino
Barcelona have identified Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a low-cost option to strengthen their midfield this summer, but it does not take a genius to notice his performances, and they are not the only ones in the race. Atletico Madrid have also been in discussions with Real Sociedad, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called […] The post Barcelona will look to include player in deal for Arsenal target Mikel Merino appeared first on Football España.
Barcelona have identified Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a low-cost option to strengthen their midfield this summer, but it does not take a genius to notice his performances, and they are not the only ones in the race. Atletico Madrid have also been in discussions with Real Sociedad, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called Merino about a potential move.
Journalist: “Do you think Atlético de Madrid has been unfair to you?”
Saúl Ñíguez: “In the end, it’s not up to me to judge that. I’ve always tried to give my best both on and off the field.”
“As you all know, Atlético de Madrid is the club of my life.”
“I am forever… pic.twitter.com/fLLteSSPpt
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 17, 2024
The 28-year-old is out of contract next summer, and thus La Real are looking to cut a deal that could be worth around €20m, as per Catalan media. Barcelona are confident that Merino would choose them over a move to Arsenal or Atletico, but Sport note that wherever he goes, his move is likely to be extend towards the end of the transfer market.
Lamine Yamal, Pedri González and Ferran Torres will not go to the US tour. The club prioritize the physical and mental rest of their players after a very long season. Fermín López, Eric García and Pau Cubarsí won't go either, because they'll be at the Olympic Games. If Nico…
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 17, 2024
They also explain that Barcelona may try to include a central defender in the deal to lower the cost yet further. With Robin Le Normand on his way to Atletico Madrid, for around €30m, Real Sociedad are looking for a centre-back, something Barcelona have in abundance. As a result, any one of Eric Garcia, Clement Lenglet, Inigo Martinez or Mikayil Faye could be included in a deal for Merino.
Certainly if La Real are interested in any of the four central defenders mentioned, none of which would be bad options, then it makes a lot of sense on paper. However swap deals are increasingly rare for a reason, with player intentions either not aligned with those of clubs, or better offers coming in from elsewhere.
The post Barcelona will look to include player in deal for Arsenal target Mikel Merino appeared first on Football España.
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