Immediately after Spain's Euro triumph, rumors regarding a potential linkup between Euro hero Mikel Merino and FC Barcelona were spreading like fire. Though the Spaniard had been considered for one of the possible transfer options, his Euro heroics pushed Barca to a stage where manager Hansi Flick had given the green light for Merino's signing.
Being a pivot, which the Catalan club had been searching for since Sergio Busquets left, Merino ought to be the perfect addition to the club's roster. Add to that his cost-effective transfer fee of around €20M, and due to his proven abilities in La Liga at Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona were considering him as their top priority to reinforce their midfield.
Barca seems to be slipping in the race for Mikel Merino
However, things haven't been going the way the Blaugrana club expected them to, with clubs like Arsenal taking advantage of Barca's situation. Being aware of the club's temptation to close the deal of their marquee signing, Nico Williams, the club lost track of their other transfer targets.
According to Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino's camp next week. Given the Gunners' boss Arteta's preferability, Merino has become his top priority to bolster their midfield. Moreover, according to SPORT, a potential move of Merino to Barcelona is being deemed 'almost impossible'.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino's camp next week, after positive contacts.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2024
He's not only name on list but well positioned; price tag requested by Real Sociedad will be key.
Arteta appreciates him; as soon as ESR leaves, Arsenal can proceed. pic.twitter.com/Z9o91NrnMn
Analyzing Barca's current situation in the transfer market, their obsession with the signing of Nico Williams seems to have cost them big time. Still, they find themselves stuck in an unfavorable situation, not certain whether Nico would decide the Blaugrana club or would stay at the Athletic club.
Meanwhile, the Catalan team not only looks out from the Mikel Merino saga but enjoys a similar fate in Dani Olmo's deal as well. With clubs like Manchester City entering into the Euro star's deal, nothing can be surely said about Olmo's future. Add to this Barca's compulsion, pushing them to sell a big name in the hope that Nico Williams and Dani Olmo would arrive.
Overall, Barca finds themselves stuck in a situation that no club wants to find themselves in. Though they seem to be out of Mikel Merino's deal, the club would hope they manage to bring in their dream signings, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.