Report: Atletico Madrid 'doubtful' of signing their top target this summer because Arsenal want him too

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are now unconvinced about signing one La Liga talent this summer because Arsenal want him too.

Years ago, Arsenal may have struggled to rival Europe’s top Champions League clubs in the transfer market, but Mikel Arteta has changed everything in that regard.

Arteta has returned Arsenal to Europe’s top competition and has built an incredibly healthy platform for future success whilst doing so.

Arsenal now have a young and hungry squad brimming with potential, one desperate to win the trophies their football is deserving of.

That being said, many feel that despite the brilliance of the likes of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal still lack experience.

In recent years, both Jorginho and Leandro Trossard have been signed to help matters, and Arsenal reportedly will look to repeat their success this summer.

And in that regard, Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has been outlined as someone who can add both quality and know-how to Arteta’s squad.

And although Arsenal are in contact to sign Merino, they will face a lot of competition for the Euro 2024 winner.

Atletico Madrid doubt they can compete with Arsenal and Barcelona for Mikel Merino

Barcelona are seriously interested in Merino alongside Arsenal, who would surely be an appealing option for the 28-year-old.

And although Atletico Madrid consider Merino their top midfield target, they’re ‘doubtful’ of signing the Spaniard owing to the interest listed above.

READ MORE: Real Madrid plan to sell ‘world-class’ Arsenal target if he doesn’t sign new contract

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo who suggest that Atletico feel as if either Arsenal or Barcelona will win the race for Merino, meaning they won’t be able to land their top target.

Of course, in a summer in which Arsenal could beat Juventus to signing Calafiori, it would be something of a coup if they could also beat two top Spanish sides to Merino as well.

But this is the ambition and pull that Arteta’s project now possesses in 2024, a squad poised to win serious silverware.

And from Merino’s perspective, were he to choose a move to Arsenal, he may consider the club the most ready to make the best of his prime years, a player who has improved a ton since he left the Premier League. 

All that being said, perhaps Emile Smith Rowe could be the obvious candidate to leave in order to make way for Merino.

And it’s now being detailed what Smith Rowe’s camp have been telling Fulham and Crystal Palace after both clubs had bids rejected for the England international.