Barcelona had the first opportunity to seal the deal to sign 28-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who should soon join Arsenal this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Mikel Merino is the subject of interest from Arsenal. However, the Spanish midfielder’s representatives offered him to Barcelona, who had the first opportunity to sign him in the summer transfer window. However, the Real Sociedad star is closing in on joining Arsenal, with talks progressing well.
Mikel Merino and his progress at Real Sociedad
Mikel Merino has made considerable progress since joining Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in July 2018. The Spaniard was struggling for stability half a dozen years ago but has become a mainstay in the middle of the park for his club and country in that time.
The 28-year-old has turned out nearly 250 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with 27 goals and 30 assists. However, Merino faces an uncertain future at the Reale Arena after entering the final 12 months of his contract. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
Barcelona had the chance to sign Merino
The latest update has revealed that Barcelona had the first opportunity to secure Mikel Merino’s services in the summer transfer window. The Spanish international midfielder’s representatives offered him to the Blaugrana. However, Barcelona did not take up the chance, putting a potential move for the Real Sociedad midfielder on the back burner.
The Catalan giants are prioritising signing Dani Olmo in the summer transfer window and will not launch the offensive for any other player before landing the Spaniard. However, Barcelona’s loss is Arsenal’s gain, with the North London club reportedly closing in on signing him from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal set to sign Merino?
Personal terms are not an issue for either party, with Merino keen on joining Arsenal. So, the 28-year-old Spanish international will unlikely join Barcelona in the summer transfer window despite the offer from his representatives to the Blaugrana.
With personal terms not an issue for Merino or Arsenal, an agreement on the transfer fee is all that remains for the North London outfit to secure his services in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see if a move sees the light of day in the coming weeks.
