Barcelona behind Arsenal in the race to sign 28-year-old pivot target

Apart from Nico Williams, FC Barcelona have the signing of a new pivot midfielder as a priority on their agenda for the summer transfer window.

Joshua Kimmich has been reported to be the priority target, but at the same time, Real Sociedad ace Mikel Merino also remains an option for the role.

The 28-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the next season and could be available for a bargain fee, although it would still be more than €20 million.

Barcelona trailing Arsenal

However, according to SPORT, Barcelona find themselves behind Arsenal in the race to sign Merino and must make a decision soon over whether to pursue him or go after other targets.

Barça sounded out his incorporation before the European Championship and contacted the player’s entourage, with there being a full OK in the sporting department over his signing.

Real Sociedad, for their part, have almost accepted that they will lose Merino in the summer, but their intention is to sell the midfielder to the highest bidder.

And, as things stand, the club that can put up the most money to sign Merino are Arsenal, who are also interested in the 28-year-old.

The Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, personally endorses the operation as well and as a result, they are the frontrunners for Merino’s signing. Atletico Madrid are also interested, but they are third in the race.

Barcelona see Merino move in good light

Barcelona have studied the midfield market very well and see Merino as an opportunity.

Although Joshua Kimmich is very much liked, the final amount of the operation between the transfer fee and the wages appears to be beyond what Barça can afford to invest this summer.

Both the board and the directors are clear that the main effort will be focused on Nico Williams and that the midfielder should arrive at a reasonable cost.

Merino fits the profile perfectly and the player himself would be open to making the jump to Catalonia.

Barça know that it could be a question of timing as they await a return to the 1:1 ruling, although next week they are likely to inform the player’s entourage if they can sign him or not.

If the Blaugrana take a step forward, Merino would opt for this proposal despite the fact that Arsenal are pushing hard.