Arsenal stunned as Barcelona lead chase for Arteta's TWO top transfer targets

18 Jul 2024 22:00 BST
3 min read

Arsenal could be hit by a 1-2 punch from Barcelona, who could end up beating Mikel Arteta’s side to two of their top summer transfer targets.

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The Gunners are in the market for a forward and a midfielder in addition to the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori, whom Arsenal are still negotiating a fee with Bologna for.

With Arsenal operating under tight financial constraints to address multiple problem areas in their squad, Arteta has been looking for value for money in the market.

The top player on his shortlist has been Nico Williams and, despite the winger’s release clause being worth €60 million, Arsenal feel the amount is still below the 22-year-old’s market value.

However, Williams is thought to have given his priority to Barcelona, leaving Arsenal seeking alternatives, and Arteta could see the same happen with Mikel Merino.

Arsenal have held talks with Real Sociedad over a transfer for the Spaniard but Relevo claim that Barca are ‘ahead’ of the Gunners and Atletico Madrid in any transfer.

© IMAGO - Mikel Merino (left) and Nico Williams (right) starred for Spain at Euro 2024.

Arsenal still keeping hope in deals for Merino and Williams

Merino joined Real Sociedad from Newcastle in 2018 and the 28-year-old has since blossomed into one of the finest midfielders in La Liga, culminating in him starring for Spain at Euro 2024 alongside Williams.

The midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his contract, which has attracted Arsenal’s attention in the hopes of sealing a deal for around €25m.

However, Barcelona see Merino as a cheaper alternative to Joshua Kimmich, with Bayern demanding reportedly €50m for their star midfielder.

Merino is said to be looking ‘favourably’ towards a transfer to Barca and is looking to resolve his future imminently – something which could benefit Arsenal due to their rivals still struggling to raise funds for a transfer.

Arsenal will hope that Barcelona’s financial difficulty will prevent the La Liga giants from snatching both players from their grasp, although the Gunners themselves will also be relying on sales before they can finance any move.