Arsenal ready to step up pursuit of 28-year-old Barcelona midfield target

Barcelona are pouring all their efforts into the signing of Nico Williams in recent days. So much so that their pursuit of a new pivot midfielder appears to have taken a backseat.

A move for Real Sociedad and Spain midfield ace Mikel Merino has been talked about plenty but for now, the Blaugrana seem to be more focused on Nico as well as Dani Olmo.

Arsenal could pounce

It could pave the way for Arsenal to pounce on Mikel Merino, with SPORT reporting that the Gunners are ready to up the ante in pursuit of the 28-year-old star.

Indeed, with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori almost in the bag, Mikel Arteta & co. are eager to quickly move to their next target – a central midfielder and Merino is very much on the agenda.

Arteta wants Mikel Merino. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Arteta has expressed a strong desire to sign Merino, who also happens to be one of the main targets to bolster Hansi Flick’s side.

Arsenal’s intense pace of negotiations contrasts with the caution at Can Barça, where financial difficulties are forcing Flick to prioritise his transfer list.

And, at the moment, Joan Laporta and Deco are focusing all their energies on signing Nico. Then should come the turn of Olmo and, finally, the talks with Real Sociedad for Merino.

Arteta sees no problem in signing the 28-year-old. Furthermore, the fact that he is in the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad would be a positive factor when it comes to agreeing a reasonable asking price of around €25-30 million.

As such, Barcelona must consider acting swiftly if they are indeed keen on signing Merino to reinforce their midfield department.