Arsenal told to pay £33 million to sign Barcelona target - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly been quoted a £33 million asking price for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who has also been linked with Barcelona. As reported by Tutto Juve, the Gunners have emerged as the frontrunners for the midfielder's signature ahead of Hansi Flick's side.
Merino's current deal at the Basque-based side expires in 2025, putting them in a difficult situation. As claimed by Tutto Juve, Real Sociedad have decided to cash in on the 28-year-old this summer rather than lose him for nothing next summer.
Arsenal and Barcelona have both been heavily linked with Merino in recent weeks following the midfielder's excellent season in Real Sociedad colors. The box-to-box midfielder enjoyed an impressive season last time out, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 45 games.
Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on bolstering his midfielder after finishing second to Manchester City in the Premier League for the second season in a row. An all-action midfielder like Merino could prove to be a solid addition to the north London giants.
Merino is an excellent progresser of the ball and boasts both physicality as well as technique. The Spaniard could prove to be the replacement of Granit Xhaka who left the Gunners in the summer of 2023.
Merino also boasts a solid injury record, having missed just 13 games since December 2018, which makes him a manager's dream. Barcelona are also long-term admirers of the 27-cap Spain international but have been overtaken by Arsenal in the player's pursuit.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Barcelona defender this summer: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer despite the Frenchman being strongly linked with a move to the Emirates. As claimed by Matteo Moretto, the Gunners are not interested in the France international as of now.
Spanish outlet SPORT claimed that the Gunners were looking to take advantage of Barcelona's financial situation and enquired about Kounde. However, Moretto has dismissed the rumors, saying Arsenal are not considering a move for the 25-year-old.
Earlier this summer, Kounde also addressed rumors regarding his future and insisted that will stay at Camp Nou. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"To be clear: at no time did I ask to go out, therefore I am not going anywhere."
Kounde made his switch to Barca in the summer of 2022 and has been a key player for the club. Xavi Hernandez used him both at right-back and centre-back and the Frenchman has impressed in both positions.