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Barcelona are ‘focusing all of their energy’ on signing £50m forward ahead of Arsenal

Lucas Arnold

Mon 22 July 2024 9:15, UK

With just six weeks or so to go in the transfer window for English clubs, it feels as if Barcelona could play a significant role in Arsenal’s business.

That’s not because Arsenal are suddenly going to launch a move for one of Barcelona’s stars, perhaps someone like Frenkie De Jong.

But the Catalan could be significant because they are also interested in two of Mikel Arteta’s key targets.

Incidentally, Arsenal were linked with Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, however there has been very little noise of any progress after the initial reports.

That being said, alongside Arsenal, Barca are said to be targeting Spanish pair Mikel Merino and Nico Williams.

Both starred for Spain at the Euros – it shouldn’t be a surprise that decision-makers at the Camp Nou are taking notice.

And whilst Barcelona are in a difficult financial position, something which could give Arsenal an advantage in the coming weeks, it seems the club is about to go ‘all in’ on their attempts to sign Williams.

Barcelona focused on signing Arsenal target Nico Williams instead of Mikel Merino

According to Spanish outlet , both Joan Laporta and Deco – Barcelona’s club president and sporting director respectively, are ‘focusing all of their energy’ on signing Williams. 

Arteta seriously wants Williams at Arsenal, but fans hopeful of a deal should be mindful that Edu and his manager have previously been reluctant to become embroiled in bidding wars.

Williams wages would be a concern for Arsenal, a player who would likely become one of the club’s highest earners.

That being said, the aforementioned report confirms that after securing or attempting to sign Williams, Barcelona would then turn to Dani Olmo – who also impressed at the Euros.

And eventually, despite their FFP concerns, Barca would then look at signing Merino from Real Sociedad later in the window.

Evidently there’s an opportunity for Arsenal to steal ahead of Barcelona, particularly in the case of Merino.

And in terms of a deal for £50m-rated Williams, it could be time for Arsenal to get their elbows out so to speak, an opportunity for the club to flex their financial muscle.

All that being said, one European club are now interested in signing an Arsenal forward on loan this summer.