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Coming into the summer transfer window, Barcelona seemed to be prioritising the signing of a new pivot midfielder and a left-winger.
However, things have changed drastically in recent weeks, with the Catalans making the signings of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo a priority.
As such, the signing of a holding midfielder, a position for which Mikel Merino had emerged as the priority target, has seemingly taken a backseat.
Barcelona can only sign Merino if Frenkie de Jong leaves
Now, SPORT has come forward with a fresh update on Barcelona and their pursuit of Mikel Merino and it does not paint a very positive picture.
As per the report, with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo as main targets, the arrival of Merino – a player that Deco likes very much – would only be possible with the transfer of Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong has two more years signed, until 2026, with an ascending contract and very high sums.
Barcelona can only sign Merino if they sell De Jong. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Barcelona have been very clear in their negotiations with Merino that, if the Dutchman continues, it is impossible to have the financial capacity to afford the signing of the 28-year-old Real Sociedad ace, who also occupies a very similar position on the pitch.
Arsenal the likely destination
Merino’s contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2025 and he has already turned down a renewal proposal from the Basque club.
Therefore, the Spanish club has decided not to take another step and wait for his contract to expire, unless an interesting offer to sell him arrives.
Given Barcelona’s position on their interest in Merino, it appears that a move to the Premier League, where Arsenal are strongly interested, could become a likely possibility for the Spaniard.
The Gunners are eager to sign the 28-year-old and could offer €25 million for him, while Merino himself might be open to signing for the Premier League club, having previously spent time in England with Newcastle…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-can-sign-28-year-old-arsenal-target-only-if-e70m-rated-heavyweight-leaves/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2024-07-24 08:41:50
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