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Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Euro 2024-winning Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer transfer window. According to Relevo, new Barca coach Hansi Flick wants to bring in a box-to-box midfielder, and Merino suits the club's requirements.
The Catalan giants have been looking to strengthen their midfield this summer with the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi linked. However, owing to their well-documented financial concerns and other factors, they have been struggling to get the deals through.
Merino could be a cheaper alternative to the likes of Zubimendi and Kimmich. The midfielder's exit from Real Sociedad cannot be ruled out yet and the club are reportedly confident of getting the deal done on a reported figure of around €20 million.
However, as per Alex Pintanel, clubs like Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are also in contention to sign the midfielder, although Merino reportedly prefers Barcelona over others.
Merino's performance in the Euro 2024 has further made him a priority signing for Barcelona. His decisive 119th-minute goal in the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany saw La Roja qualify for the semi-final.
Barcelona prioritize signing of Euro 2024-winning star Nico Williams in summer transfer window
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing more players from the Spanish national team following their Euro victory, including Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana are in advanced talks to sign Williams this summer and his signing remains a priority for the club. Romano also reported that the salary structure will be key to the transfer, with Premier League giants like Chelsea in contention.
As per The Athletic, Chelsea have been doing the groundwork to sign Williams as well.
Williams' signing could strengthen Barcelona's attack, especially after his partnership with 17-year-old La Masia prodigy Lamine Yamal flourished at the Euros. Yamal assisted Nico's goal in the Euro 2024 final against England.
In six appearances for Spain in Euro 2024, Nico Williams recorded two crucial goals and one assist. Barca president Joan Laporta has also gone on record to talk about the potential signing of Williams, claiming that the club has the finances to pull off a signing of that stature. The Athletic Club star has a reported release clause of around €58 million, as per GOAL.
