Arsenal leading race to sign player linked with summer move to Barcelona - Reports
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who has been heavily linked with Barcelona in recent weeks. As reported by Reshad Rahman on X (formerly Twitter), Barcelona are currently focusing on other areas.
Rahman has also claimed that Arsenal are leading the chase for the Euro 2024 winner with Spain. The 28-cap Spain international featured in all seven games for La Furia Roja in the Euros as they clinched the trophy for the fourth time.
"Barcelona have informed Mikel Merino that they are currently focused on other matters. Arsenal are leading the race to get him right now, following fresh contacts," Rahman wrote on X.
Merino's current deal at Real Sociedad expires in the summer of 2025, putting Txuri-Urdin in a tight corner. It was earlier reported that the Basque-based club have decided to cash in on the Spaniard this summer rather than lose him for nothing next year.
A box-to-box midfielder with exceptional dynamism, high work rate, and tenacity, Mikel Merino would offer a lot to whichever club he joins. Arsenal have been widely linked with a host of midfielders in recent months and Merino could be exactly what they are looking for.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a fantastic last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 45 games across competitions. The Gunners have lacked an all-action midfielder like Merino since parting ways with Granit Xhaka.
Barcelona have a wealth of top talents in the middle of the park but need more depth if they want to consistently fight for big accolades. An experienced midfielder like Merino would have been a solid addition to the Blaugrana as well.
Mikel Merino's injury record makes him a desirable target for any top club, with the player missing just 13 games since December 2018. His reported £33 million asking price means he could turn out to be a solid bargain.
Barcelona offered £65 million from Saudi Arabia for Arsenal target
Barcelona have reportedly received a £65 million offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian side for Brazilian winger Raphinha. The 27-year-old has been a long-term Arsenal target and has been linked with a switch to the Emirates this summer.
Raphinha joined the Blaugrana in the summer of 2022, snubbing the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. However, he has endured a rather mixed spell at the Camp Nou and has been heavily linked with an exit.
The Brazil international has so far made 87 appearances for Barcelona, contributing 20 goals and 25 assists. He scored 10 goals and produced 13 assists in 37 games last season, having started only 25 games.