Arsenal want one Barcelona star, and a Blaugrana transfer target

The summer transfer plans of Premier League giants Arsenal could yet have a telling impact on Barcelona.

This comes amid confirmation that the Gunners have set their sights on not only a leading Barca transfer target, but also a current member of the Blaugrana’s squad.

The former, of course, comes in the form of Mikel Merino.

The Real Sociedad star is considered the ideal midfield profile to reinforce Hansi Flick’s Barcelona midfield, but, according to a host of sources across the Spanish media, it is Arsenal who are leading the race for his signature.

And, on top of as much, Mikel Arteta and co. are also expressing a keen interest in a current member of the attacking ranks in Catalunya’s capital.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Raphinha as the player in question.

Citing sources in England, Sport report that:

‘Arsenal would be willing to make a million-dollar effort to get him.’

Barcelona, meanwhile, are said to have reduced their demands for the Brazilian, to a sum in the region of €50 million.

A summer deal between the clubs is therefore considered a legitimate possibility.

Conor Laird | GSFN