In a recent report, Sport mentioned that Barcelona are set to rival Arsenal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. It has been claimed that the Catalan club are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Spanish talent this off-season.
Merino’s Impressive Form In La Liga
Merino enjoyed a decent campaign at the Spanish club as he put in a string of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The Spanish sensation featured in 45 matches for Real Sociedad last season, netting eight goals and picking up five assists across various competitions.
The 28-year-old has been a decent performer in the final third based on his average of 2.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after making 77.5% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Spanish club will run out in the summer of 2025 which could give Barcelona a chance to land Merino in this transfer window.
Should Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Bring Merino On Board This Summer?
Merino is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and can shoot the ball with power from long range.
The Spanish talent has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also function as an attacking midfielder if told to do so.
We can expect Merino to add more qualify to Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick’s midfield. He is good enough to compete for a regular starting place at the Nou Camp next season. The Spaniard already knows La Liga well and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Catalan club.
At 28, Merino is playing at the peak stage of his career. Thus, Barcelona should consider trying everything in their power to bring him on board before the end of this transfer window.
