Arsenal face a tough fight to sign their primary midfield summer transfer target, Mikel Merino with Barcelona eyeing a move for Euro 2024 winner.
The Gunners are likely to be more frugal between now and the end of August and had identified Merino as a more cost effective purchase.
The 28-year-old has been a key part of Real Sociedad’s improvement in recent seasons and enhanced his reputation with several solid showings during Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, notably scoring the winner in the quarter final against Germany.
Arsenal are keen to strengthen their engine room following the departure of Mohamed Elneny earlier this summer, while Thomas Partey’s future remains uncertain.
Jorginho did sign a new contract in May and teenager Ethan Nwaneri is expected to play a more prominent first team role this season, but an injury to Rice would leave the Gunners well short of options.
Merino, who spent a brief period at Newcastle earlier in his career, is understood to be highly-rated by Mikel Arteta, but he is also well regarded by new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, according to Relovo.
The Catalan giants, themselves, are in the market for a new central midfielder and hold a long-term interest in Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich.
Barcelona’s financial plight, however, means a move for the Germany international appears unlikely at this stage.
And, like Arsenal, Barca currently view Moreno, who has a year left on his current contract, as a more realistic option.
