FC Barcelona has been exploring the winger market for months to reinforce the left wing, which is one of the most 'limping' in the Barça XI. Many names have been and continue to be heard, but for more than a month the favorite has been Nico Williams, who is the great priority of the culés this summer. However, it seems that the signing of the Navarrese is becoming increasingly complicated and right now most sources assure that he has almost decided to continue at Athletic Club for another year.

If it ends up being confirmed that the Pamplona attacker 'plants' Barça, the Barcelona fans will have to decide how to invest the 58 million euros that his transfer was going to cost. In principle, the normal thing would be to think about a simple change of 'cards' and try to sign another level winger for a similar price. Luis Díaz, who would cost at least 15-20 kilos more, seems to be Deco's favorite for weeks if the Spaniard fails. Rafael Leao has also been mentioned, which would be much more expensive and could reach 100 million. In addition, there is Dani Olmo, who in principle has always been an independent reinforcement from his compatriot, but who could also play on the wing. However, as the Egarense seems to arrive no matter what happens with Nico, it would not be the 'replacement' that is being talked about.

FC Barcelona can rethink its roadmap

The reality is that Barcelona, ​​although it has a 'hole' on the left wing, has another position equally or worse covered. We are talking about the midfielder, which at first seemed like it was going to be the priority position to reinforce. The problem is that the Williams option arose, as well as the Olmo option, and the culés decided to leave the signing of the pivot in the background. But if the Athletic player ends up rejecting the Blaugrana, which is something that could happen based on the information available, priorities could change.

In that case, the Barcelona fans will have the opportunity to readjust their plan and think about whether a left winger is really more necessary, which in no case will be 'Plan A', and who will surely be more expensive than Williams, for a more positional midfielder. that could balance the team and provide many solutions to a Barça in need of the same. Taking into account the money that would be available, which is those 60 'kilos', there are two quite 'top' names and one more low profile that would fit.

Zubimendi, the midfielder who would best fit

The first and surely the one who would fit the most economically, sportingly and at the locker room level in the short, medium and long term is Martín Zubimendi, 25 years old. The Real Sociedad youth player has a termination clause of precisely 60 million euros, so in that sense it would be perfect. Furthermore, in terms of salary, the Basque would accept a lower salary than what Nico could be paid, so the Catalans would gain from this. 

As for what 'Zubi' would contribute, with Real he has shown his level in recent years and in the Euro Cup he showed it especially in the final, when he had to come in for the injured Rodri, who is a top-level midfielder. Technically he is very good, he rarely loses the ball and his best virtue is his exit, always finding solutions to find the free man. Defensively, although he does not have a prodigious physique, he is intelligent and skilled at stealing, without of course being his greatest strength. Despite everything, it would give Barcelona a lot and allow Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong or Gündogan to play more freely, something that is also key.

Kimmich and Merino, the alternatives

On the other hand, there is Joshua Kimmich, whose contract ends in 2025 and who could leave Bayern for 40-50 'kilos'. The German has been one of the best midfielders in the world for quite some time, but his last season has not been particularly good and he is now 29 years old. Furthermore, he wants to earn no less than 10 million net annually and PSG is very interested in signing him, so the competition could make his price and his signing more expensive. He is a star and sportingly he would elevate Barça to another level without a doubt, but financially he is very expensive and in that sense he leaves more doubts than Zubimendi.

Finally, there is Mikel Merino, who is the midfielder who has been most talked about this summer and who seemed to be the Blaugrana's favorite due to the quality/price ratio. The Navarrese, who is a physical interior with a lot of arrival, good technique and versatility to also play as a midfielder, his contract ends in 2025 as well and is a very good market option, but he seems to have almost made it with Arsenal. Barça, focused on Williams and Olmo, did not want to negotiate for the former Newcastle player and now the feeling is that if they want to sign him they are already too late. The Gunners have offered 30 million for his incorporation and already have an agreement with him, so unless there is a surprise, the transfer could be made official in the coming days.

What should FC Barcelona do?

These are the highest-level options that would best fit the budget that is on Barça's table for the midfield. If Nico Williams does not end up coming, the club will have to decide if it is really worth spending 80 'kilos' on Luis Díaz, 100 on Leao (if possible) or if it is more worthwhile to trust in Dani Olmo's versatility to play in the left and sign a midfielder with the Athletic attacker's money to finally find the desired 'new Busquets'.