Barcelona bow out of race for UEFA Euro 2024 winner also wanted by Arsenal – report

The success of the Spanish national team at the recently concluded Euro 2024 sparked serious interest in the Barcelona offices.

The Blaugrana, after all, have been linked with moves for three La Roja stars in recent weeks. While Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are reportedly top targets, interest in Mikel Merino has also been reported.

Now, SPORT provides an update on the future of the Real Sociedad midfielder who has been on the radars of not only Barcelona but also Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.

Barcelona out of contention

As revealed by the outlet, Barcelona have withdrawn from the race to sign Merino this summer.

While Hansi Flick and Co. were indeed interested in the Real Sociedad star, a move would only be possible if Frenkie de Jong’s sale went through. Given the player’s injury, that now appears improbable.

Mikel Merino unlikely to join Barcelona. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

As it stands, Arsenal are thus the only club still remaining in the hunt to sign Merino. The Gunners were said to be well placed to pull the deal off, but Real Sociedad have improved their offer in recent days and are pushing for a renewal.

Prioritising resources

Speaking in an interview earlier today, Joan Laporta revealed that Barcelona’s financial situation was no longer as dire as it has been in recent years.

The club president stressed that the Blaugrana are capable of bringing home some serious talent this summer, even acknowledging the club’s efforts to rope in Dani Olmo and Nico Williams.

With no big sales made so far, however, Barcelona will be forced to prioritise their targets. Needless to say, the midfield does not appear to be high on the management’s pecking order of positions to strengthen as it stands.