Arsenal dealt blow as transfer target prefers move to Barcelona - Reports
Arsenal target Mikel Merino is reportedly interested in a potential move to Barcelona. Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing the Spaniard but his preference is the Blaugrana.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer. They parted ways with Mohamed Elneny while Albert Sambi Lokonga was again sent on loan, this time at Sevilla. Thomas Partey's future is up in the air as well. Hence, the north London side will look to add a midfielder.
As per The Hard Tackle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been impressed by Merino. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is also interested in the Spaniard. However, the midfielder's preference would be a move to Barcelona, as per journalists Alex Pintanel and Jordi Cardero.
Hansi Flick is looking to sign a box-to-box midfielder and Merino fits the bill perfectly. They have also been linked with Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich but he's likely to cost around €50 million. Merino, meanwhile, is likely to cost €20 million, with his contract with Real Sociedad expiring next summer.
The Spaniard joined Sociedad from Newcastle United in 2018 and has made 242 appearances for them, contributing 27 goals and 30 assists. He also helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 despite starting just one game. He scored the winner in extra time in their 2-1 win over Germany in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal joined Barcelona and Chelsea in race for Nico Williams: Reports
Barcelona have been considering a move for Nico Williams for a while now, with his release clause being worth €58 million. As per The Athletic (via Football Espana), Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the Spaniard and are willing to pay his release clause.
Williams has been highly impressive in the last year with Athletic Bilbao and Spain. He scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions for Bilbao last season, helping them win the Copa del Rey. He then registered two goals and one assist for Spain in their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, including a goal in the final against England.
Williams formed a lethal partnership with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal on Spain's flanks, which has further pushed Barca to try to sign him. Moreover, the youngster is reportedly keen to stay in Spain, which could be a blow for Arsenal and Chelsea.