It’s no secret that Barcelona are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder, but for now, it is not a priority. A deal for Nico Williams is the first order of business for the club’s sporting department, and they are also making arrangements to re-sign Dani Olmo, who will be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around €60m.

It means that the signing of a midfielder is unlikely to happen any time soon. It may not happen at all, with Sport reporting that in order for someone to arrive, a big-money sale would need to take place.

At this stage, Mikel Merino is Barcelona’s preferred midfield target, but the report notes that his arrival will not happen unless Frenkie de Jong leaves – an unlikely possibility, given that Hansi Flick is counting on the Dutch midfielder for next season and beyond.

Barcelona have told Mikel Merino that he can only be signed if De Jong leaves. This scenario is unlikely, so everything indicates Arsenal will be his new club instead. @Jordigil

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 24, 2024

Because of this, Arsenal are now favourites to sign Merino. They are willing to pay €25m to sign the 28-year-old, who will be available for a reduced price because he only has one year left on his Real Sociedad contract. Atletico Madrid are also keen on Merino, but their chances of signing him are slim, as things stand.

Personal terms are already being discussed between Merino and Arsenal, and a deal could move quickly once those are agreed upon. Barcelona look increasingly likely to miss out on their top midfield target, which would be a big blow going into the new season.

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