Does Barça have possibilities? Two big objectives for the midfield define its future

Although the names of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo have been the main protagonists of the FC Barcelona transfer market, the Barça entity also has on its agenda the possible arrival of a midfielder to reinforce this area of ​​​​the field. This option has been 'cooling' in recent weeks 'thanks' to the number of alternatives that Flick has in the position and, above all, to the great performance shown by Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal on the tour of the United States. However, the Blaugranas still have not 100% ruled out this possibility and several names appear on the club's list of future prospects.

Two of the Catalan institution's preferred options would be Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi, players who have been in the Blaugranas' sights for a long time and whose futures at Real Sociedad have been a 'hot' topic this summer.The case of the Navarrese is the most complex for those from San Sebastián, because the footballer has communicated to the club president, Jokin Aperribay, his desire to change scene in this summer window to play for a 'big' European club.

Merino did not travel to Germany to play the team's last preseason friendly since, in addition to suffering from muscle overload, he would be waiting for Arsenal to reach an agreement with the Basques to finalize his transfer. With the personal terms practically agreed upon with the Gunners, the player's departure would depend on the amount offered from London for his signing, since the last proposal of 25 million euros did not convince a Real team that seeks to receive an amount close to the 35 'kilos' that Atlético de Madrid offered for his services.

For their part, Anoeta maintains the hope of being able to count on Zubimendi next year. According to 'Mundo Deportivo', Liverpool are 'pushing' for his signing and would be prepared to deposit the 60 million euros stipulated in his termination clause. However, the 'txuri-urdin' consider that, if he had been convinced of the 'reds' offer, the midfielder would have already headed to Anfield Road and would not have been part of the squad that will face Stuttgart on German soil.

The 'ball' is in Martín's 'court'

The proposal from Arne Slot's team meets both the player's economic and sporting expectations, but his love for Real and his life in Donostia generate doubts in the midfielder. Meanwhile, Aperribay and Imanol Alguacil are trying to avoid his departure at all costs and have held meetings with his agents to try to convince him to continue being part of the project, even if this means 'sacrificing' the 60 kilos that Merseyside is willing to pay. pay immediately. The player will have the last word, although, at the moment, he has not given a single indication about his possible departure from the club.

Barça, on the lookout

Although the signing of any of these players would not be a priority in Barcelona, ​​the truth is that Can Barça is looking closely at the development of their operations. With the return to the 1/1 rule, the Catalans could allow themselves the 'luxury' of trying to hire these players if they finally decide to stay in San Sebastián. It seems difficult for this scenario to take place this summer, but in the summer window of 2025 they could be a more than real option for the Catalan entity, which remains in expectation of its future.