Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Mikel Merino blow, club eyeing Leicester City star, and more - June 25, 2024

Barcelona finished second in La Liga in the 2023-24 season and ended the campaign without silverware. The Catalans have since parted ways with Xavi and replaced him with Hansi Flick.

Meanwhile, the La Liga giants have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Mikel Merino this summer. Elsewhere, the Spanish side are interested in a Leicester City defender.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 25, 2024.

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Barcelona suffer Mikel Merino blow

Mikel Merino

Barcelona have suffered a setback in their efforts to secure the services of Mikel Merino. According to SPORT, Mikel Arteta is trying to convince the Spanish midfielder to join Arsenal this summer.

Merino has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following a stellar 2023/24 campaign with Real Sociedad. The 28-year-old registered eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions.

The Catalans are looking for a new midfielder this summer and have Merino on their wish list. The Spanish midfielder will enter the final year of his contract this summer and hasn't signed a new deal yet.

Barcelona are hoping to secure his signature in a cut-price deal but the Gunners could pour cold water on their plans. Arteta has apparently identified Merino as Thomas Partey's replacement and wants him at the Emirates this year.

The 28-year-old could be a fine partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the park. Interestingly, Merino had a disastrous spell with Newcastle United years ago but has transformed himself since moving to Spain.

Catalans eyeing deal for Wout Faes

Wout Faes.

Barcelona have entered the race to sign Wout Faes this summer, according to Fichajes. The Belgian defender caught the eye with Leicester City in the 2023-24 campaign, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.

Faes was an omnipresent figure at the back for the Foxes, appearing 46 times across competitions. His efforts have earned him admirers at Camp Nou, with Hansi Flick expected to bolster his backline this summer.

Ronald Araujo's future remains up in the air, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United eyeing him with interest. Meanwhile, Jules Kounde could also be on the move this year. The Catalans have identified Faes as an option to address the situation.

The 26-year-old has all the attributes to be a hit at Camp Nou. However, he is under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2027, and prising him away from the club won't be easy. The La Liga giants' poor finances could also pose a problem to their plans.

Barcelona open to Ilkay Gundogan exit

Ilkay Gundogan

Barcelona are willing to consider offers for Ilkay Gundogan this summer, according to SPORT. The German midfielder arrived at Camp Nou last summer following the expiry of his contract with Manchester City.

Gundogan registered five goals and 14 assists from 51 outings across competitions and was one of Xavi's most trusted players. The 33-year-old's status was previously expected to remain intact despite the arrival of Hansi Flick at the helm of matters at Camp Nou.

However, it now appears that Gundogan could also be affected by the La Liga giants' poor financial situation. Barcelona also believe they are well covered in the position and can afford to let the German leave. The 33-year-old is also at the flag end of his career and cannot be considered part of their long-term plans either.

Gundogan has always maintained that he wants to stay at Camp Nou but will not be short of options this summer. Galatasaray have been linked with the player for a while and he also has admirers in the Middle East.