Barcelona have clearly set out their priorities for this summer transfer window. The first preference in this window is to complete the signing of Nico Williams, who will significantly strengthen the team’s attacking line.
Furthermore, some other candidates are also in the club’s sights as they look to strengthen their team for the next season. One such candidate is Mikel Merino, who is the Catalans’ main priority for the strengthening of the midfield pivot position.
However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Blaugranes have put the operation for the Real Sociedad midfielder, or any other pivot option, on hold for now. Barcelona are currently focusing all their energies on bringing in Nico Williams, and if they fail in his signing, they will direct their energies to sign Dani Olmo, who is waiting for the Catalans.
The Joan Laporta-led club has been looking to sign a midfield pivot ever since the departure of Sergio Busquets last summer. They signed Oriol Romeu last summer, but the former Girona midfielder was unable to retain his position in the starting lineup as his performances started declining after a few good matches.
However, stars have not aligned for Barcelona to get one of their desired candidates for this position. Merino himself is keen for a move to the Catalan club, but understands that the Blaugranes will have to sell a player in order to incorporate him. Gradually, he is getting disillusioned about a possible move to Barcelona and is already looking towards Arsenal.
In this regard, the report mentions that Real Sociedad have not yet received any offer from the London side for Merino. However, once the Gunners complete the signing of the Italian defender, Riccardo Califiori, they will start focusing their attention on the signing of a midfielder.
Thus, Barcelona can go through another transfer window without the signing of a midfield pivot, which should have been quite a high priority for them, especially considering Flick’s preferred playing style which involves a double-pivot system.
