Mikel Merino's stance on Barcelona transfer as Arsenal concerns emerge

Mikel Merino could still be offered the chance to join Barcelona this summer now that the Spanish giants have failed to sign other targets.

The Spain midfielder is in demand this summer after playing in his country's successful Euro 2024 campaign with Arsenal and other clubs in Europe sweet on the idea of signing the 28-year-old.

Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in the playmaker after concluding a deal for Italy defender Riccardo Calafioro and Merino is thought to be Mikel Arteta's priority target. He would, however, also be receptive to an offer from Barcelona.

As outlined by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Merino has his 'sights set' on a proposal from Barca, who could now be in a position to firm up their interest after seemingly missing out on deals for Nico Williams and Oriel Romeu.

It's noted that new boss Hansi Flick and the club's sporting director, Deco, are both big fans of Merino, who is seemingly open to the move.

Merino, who the report also claims has already rejected advances from Atletico Madrid this summer, is viewed by many as an ideal addition for Arsenal as they bid to enhance a squad which came agonisingly close to beating Manchester City in last year's title race.

However, it emerged over the weekend that some members of the Arsenal hierarchy privately have concerns over Merino's age, per football.london.

The midfielder is in his peak years but a deal would represent a change of strategy from Arsenal, who have predominantly targeted younger players in previous transfer windows. The club did, though, make an exception to that rule back in January 2023 when they signed Jorginho from Chelsea due to the midfielder's title-winning pedigree.

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay recently hinted that the La Liga outfit have not yet given up hope of persuading Merino to stay put.

He said: "We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August. We will try to make the team come out stronger. I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ - and then leave. I would like him not to leave.

"If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now. We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully, his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay."