Arsenal-bound La Liga midfielder was offered to Barcelona by his agents – report

A recent update from Luis Miguelsanz via SPORT reveals that Mikel Merino’s agents initially approached Barcelona about a potential transfer before they turned their attention to Arsenal. 

Merino, the most in-demand midfielder in the transfer market, was considered a key option for strengthening Barcelona’s midfield. 

However, Barcelona chose to focus their investments on enhancing their attacking positions instead. As a result, the Real Sociedad midfielder is likely to sign with Arsenal within the coming week.

Barcelona decided not to pursue Merino

It has been suggested that Merino’s representatives reached out to Barcelona one last time to try and expedite the possibility of a move to the Catalan club. Unfortunately, Barcelona decided not to pursue the deal further. 

Now with the transfer window ticking down, Merino’s future seems set to be in the Premier League unless something unexpected happens.

It must be noted that Barcelona had previously shown interest in Merino before the European Championships and even set up a tentative negotiation plan. 

Mikel Merino is set to join Arsenal. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

However, their focus shifted when they saw the chance to sign Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, two attackers who were eager to join the club. 

Barcelona had other priorities

Barcelona decided that their efforts should be concentrated on securing these two players, putting Merino’s potential transfer on hold. This freeze on Merino’s transfer was to last until the end of the transfer window, dependent on potential player sales and departures.

As Barcelona changed its strategy, Merino began exploring other options. His clear intention is to leave Real Sociedad, and his representatives have had discussions with Atletico Madrid. 

However, Arsenal emerged as the team offering the most appealing deal for both Merino and Real Sociedad.

The transfer is progressing well and is only waiting for the final negotiations with Real Sociedad to be completed. The club is asking for around €30 million, combining fixed and variable fees, for a player who has just one year left on his contract. 

While Barcelona admire Merino’s qualities, the new month of August has arrived, and the player is seeking clarity about his future. Barcelona are unable to offer the certainty he desires, making Arsenal’s offer the more promising option for Merino.