Barcelona could scupper Arsenal’s move for quality Spanish international
The transfer market is set to heat up in Europe now that the European Championship has concluded. Top clubs across the continent will ideally want to bed down their squads well before pre-season is in full flow, to save any disruption ahead of the start of the 2024/25 campaign. From Arsenal’s point of view, adding […]
The post Barcelona could scupper Arsenal’s move for quality Spanish international appeared first on CaughtOffside.
The transfer market is set to heat up in Europe now that the European Championship has concluded.
Top clubs across the continent will ideally want to bed down their squads well before pre-season is in full flow, to save any disruption ahead of the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
From Arsenal’s point of view, adding the right players to their squad is imperative as they attempt to chase down Manchester City in their bid to land a first Premier League title in over two decades.
Barcelona could beat Arsenal to Merino capture
One that The Telegraph (subscription required) note that they are interested in is Spain hero, Mikel Merino.
Like Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, Merino has worn the jersey of Basque side, Real Sociedad, and with one year left on his contract at the Spanish top-flight side, La Real are at risk of bids for his services being successful.
It’s understood that he hasn’t signed any extension to his Sociedad contract at present, which leaves the club vulnerable given that this is the last point in which they could potentially command a decent fee for his services.
Arsenal could find themselves outmuscled by Spanish giants, Barcelona, however.
According to Mundo Deportivo, sporting director, Deco, wants to land the player, however the Catalans have to wait until they can satisfy La Liga of their financial situation relating to Financial Fair Play and a 1:1 rule that is place.
It isn’t clear at this point if Merino has a preference of staying at Sociedad, moving to Barcelona or trying a new experience in the Premier League, though if it does become common knowledge that he’s ready to move on, we can expect a battle royale.
The post Barcelona could scupper Arsenal’s move for quality Spanish international appeared first on CaughtOffside.