Barcelona are reportedly determined to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino during this summer's transfer window.
The Catalan outfit are expected to be in the market for a new central midfielder ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, with Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich admired by the La Liga giants.
Kimmich is allegedly available this summer, with Bayern open to a sale, but according to Sport, Merino is wanted by Barcelona to be in the pivot in the team next season.
The report claims that Hansi Flick's team are actively working on a deal for the 27-year-old, who is currently with the Spain squad preparing for this summer's European Championship.
Flick, who recently replaced Xavi as head coach of the club, allegedly believes that Merino is the perfect player for his system, viewing him as a 'total midfielder'.
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Barcelona 'working on a deal for Merino'
The Spaniard was again a vital player for Real Sociedad during the 2023-24 campaign, making 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in the process.
Merino made the move to the Basque side from Newcastle United in July 2018, and he has represented the White and Blues on 242 occasions, contributing 27 goals and 30 assists.
Manchester United are also said to be keen on the Spaniard, while Manchester City have been credited with an interest in his services, with both Manchester clubs in the market for new midfielders.
There is currently huge uncertainty surrounding Merino's future, as his current deal is due to expire in June 2025, and he refused to commit his future to the club earlier this year.
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Merino only has 12 months left on his contract
"The only thing I have in mind is to finish the season well. That [contract negotiations] is for my representative and the president to carry out," Merino told Marca in March.
"During all these years I have shown total commitment and in these final months of the season I want to make sure that Real Sociedad are where they deserve, which is playing in Europe.
"I want to make history with the club. It would be five consecutive seasons of qualifying for Europe, something that no one has achieved. It would bring great pride to achieve it."
Real Sociedad ultimately finished sixth in La Liga last season, which has seen them qualify for the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.
Merino, who started his professional career with Osasuna before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was a second-half substitute in Spain's 5-1 win over Northern Ireland in a friendly on Saturday night.
Matt Law
