Two top options Barcelona are considering to fortify their midfield – report

One of the biggest priorities for FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window is to sign a top pivot midfielder.

New manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are in agreement that a defensive midfielder is very much the need of the hour for Barça and are working on identifying the best-suited players for the role.

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Blaugrana have two names on the wishlist that they like the most for the position.

Amadou Onana the ‘most liked’

As per the report, Everton and Belgium midfield enforcer Amadou Onana is the player ‘most liked’ by Barcelona to reinforce the midfield department.

The 23-year-old) is a very powerful player with good ball handling and would add some physicality to the Barça midfield while also being a strong presence in the air.

However, signing Onana will not be straightforward due to the fact that he is also attracting strong interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, while Everton would also demand a big fee for him.

Mikel Merino – the alternative

If there is enough ‘Fair Play’ margin, Barcelona would consider the Onana operation. But for now, such a scenario appears difficult and as such, they have identified an alternative in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.

With his contract expiring next year and renewal talks stalling, Sociedad are not in a position to hold out for his €65 million release clause and would be forced to accept a lower offer this summer.

In fact, it has been suggested that Merino could be available for only €25 million this summer, making him an enticing target.

Although he is not a pivot as such, the fact that Hansi Flick plays with two midfielders in front of the defence gives him possibilities in this system.