Mikel Merino, a Spanish international midfielder for Real Sociedad, is a hot target for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
UFABET reported on Tuesday that Atletico Madrid is ready to compete with Barcelona for 27-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder to strengthen their midfield. This summer
Merino is entering the final year of his contract for the 2024-2025 season and negotiations over a new deal have not progressed as planned. As a result, UFABET the Basque side may be force to sell the player for around €25 million this summer. Even though the release clause is 60 million euros.
Previous reports indicated that Barcelona were considering signing Merino as the Azulgrana viewed the 27-year-old midfielder as a good fit for new manager Hansi Flick plans. But now the Catalan giants are facing arch rivals Atletico Madrid who are also interest in the player.
Merino is not the only Real Sociedad player on Atletico Madrid’s radar as Atletico Madrid attempt to sign international centre-back Robin Le Nordmand. Spain’s famous Basque team as well.
Furthermore, the Spanish midfielder already knows that Atletico Madrid want him and does not see it with bad eyes to move to the Metropolitano to, among other things, continue playing in the Champions League.
As such, Merino could follow in Antoine Griezmann footsteps and leave Real Sociedad for Atletico Madrid, along with fellow teammate Robin Le Normand, who is also a target for Diego Simeone side.
Given that Barcelona view Merino as a key target, they will need to act swiftly if they indeed wish to beat Atletico Madrid land the Spaniard to reinforce their midfield department.