Barcelona could now pinch £33m player Arsenal are desperate to sign after missing out on Amadou Onana

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Barcelona could now throw a spanner in the works for Arsenal after missing out on Everton No.8 Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.

The Belgium international will be joining the Villans after Unai Emery’s side agreed a £50m deal with the Toffees – leaving Barcelona gutted as the towering midfielder was Hansi Flick’s No.1 target.

Now – however – Barcelona could pinch a transfer target for Arsenal as the Spanish giants hunt for an alternative…

Barcelona want Arsenal target Mikel Merino after missing out on Amadou Onana

A story from Mundo Deportivo now claims that Barcelona see Mikel Merino as the alternative to Onana – and will make a push to sign the Spain international.

That is a problem for Arsenal, as TEAMtalk believe Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign the Real Sociedad No.8 – and has even convinced Arsenal to break their transfer policy of ideally not buying anyone over the age of 25 in order to land him.

It came after Spanish news outlet SPORT also mentioned that the Spaniard has spoken to Merino on the phone to try and convince him to join Arsenal.

Arteta’s efforts seemed to have paid off, as Football Transfers recently claimed that the 28-year-old is open to joining Arsenal, and has already told Real Sociedad that he would like to leave.

Now – however – Barcelona could cause problems after their hopes of signing Onana were crushed.

Italian news outlet Tutto Juve believe Real Sociedad want £33m to sell Merino this summer.

Exit seems likely

Arsenal must keep pushing to fend off Barcelona, as the chances of Real Sociedad selling Merino this summer seem high.

The man from Pamplona only has 12 months remaining on his contract, so unless the Spanish side sell the playmaker this summer, they run the risk of losing him for nothing in 2025 – unless he signs a new deal.

A contract renewal seems unlikely to happen given rumours of his desire to leave, so Arsenal would appear to have a strong chance of signing Merino if Barcelona can be fended off.

READ MORE: Arsenal agree deal to sign “big talent” on a four-year contract

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as further developments are expected once Merino’s involvement in UEFA Euro 2024 ends on Sunday.