Barcelona set to be rivalled by La Liga giants for 27-year-old Spain star in Euro 2024 squad - Reports

Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. Merino is currently in the last year of his contract with Real Sociedad, and as per reports, he's not keen on signing a renewal with the side.

According to MARCA, the Spaniard is a top transfer target for Barcelona this summer and they have been joined by Atletico Madrid in the race for his signature.

Merino has a release clause of €60 million. However, Real Sociedad are reportedly resigned to losing the midfielder soon and could sell him for around €25 million this summer.

The Spaniard was initially an unattainable target for Atletico Madrid due to his huge transfer clause. However, Los Rojiblancos have joined the race for his signature given his contract situation with Real Sociedad.

The 27-year-old midfielder joined the La Liga side from Newcastle United in July 2018 for a reported transfer fee of €12 million. Since then, he has made 242 appearances for La Real across all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists.

Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad last season across all competitions, bagging eight goals and five assists. He has also been selected in Spain's squad for the ongoing 2024 Euro Championships.

The Spaniard was subbed on in place of Nico Williams in the 68th minute during Spain's 3-0 win over Croatia on Saturday, June 15.

Al-Ittihad interested in signing Barcelona defender as an alternative for Real Madrid's Nacho - Reports

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez in the upcoming summer transfer window, as per Spanish publication MARCA.

Al-Ittihad have Real Madrid's Nacho Fernandez on their transfer radar. However, they're also keeping an eye on Inigo Martinez as an alternate. Martinez joined the Camp Nou outfit in July 2023 as a free transfer after leaving Athletic Club.

Since then, he has made 25 appearances for Barcelona, but failed to establish himself as a starter. Last season, he started 13 games in La Liga and three matches in the UEFA Champions League for La Bluagrana.

As per the aforementioned report, Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez is Al-Ittihad's top priority in the summer. However, if the deal fails, they'll consider signing Martinez. Apart from the Spaniard, Saudi Pro League clubs are also reportedly interested in signing Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Clement Lenglet, and Jules Kounde from Barca.