Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Florian Wirtz in 2025, club suffer Mikel Merino blow, and more - June 8, 2024

Barcelona finished the 2023-24 campaign in second place in La Liga, 10 points behind champions Real Madrid. The Catalan giants have already parted ways with Xavi and handed the reins of the first-team squad to Hansi Flick.

Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have made Florian Wirtz their priority target for 2025. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Mikel Merino this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 8, 2024.

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Barcelona want Florian Wirtz in 2025

Florian Wirtz

Barcelona have earmarked Florian Wirtz as their top target for the summer of 2025, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The German midfielder is coming off a sensational season with Bayer Leverkusen, helping them secure a domestic double.

Wirtz registered 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 outings across competitions and remains one of Xabi Alonso's most essential pieces. The player's performances have already added to speculation regarding his future, with recent reports suggesting that Real Madrid are also eyeing him with interest.

However, Wirtz has earned admirers at Camp Nou as well, with club sporting manager Deco pushing for a move. The Catalans are in troubled waters with their finances, which is the only reason why a move has not been pursued this summer. The Spanish giants are working to address the issue quickly and want to return for Wirtz next summer.

The 21-year-old is not expected to leave the BayArena this year either but could be open to a new adventure at the end of next season. His contract with the Bundesliga champions runs until 2027, so prising him away will be a costly affair.

Hansi Flick has given his seal of approval to the move, so the transfer could materialize next year.

Barca suffer Mikel Merino blow

Mikel Merino

Barcelona have hit a roadblock in their efforts to take Mikel Merino to Camp Nou this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish midfielder's release clause has increased from €60m to €65m this month. The 27-year-old was in fine form for Real Sociedad in the 2023-24 season, registering eight goals and five assists from 45 games.

The Catalan giants are already eyeing the Spaniard with interest as they look to add more quality to the middle of the park. Oriol Romeu has failed to impress and could be on his way this summer. Merino could be an upgrade on his countryman.

Interestingly, the player's contract expires in just over a year and Barcelona were hoping to get a deal done for €30m this year. However, it now appears that they might have to offer a higher fee to get their man. Barca will also face competition from Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the 27-year-old.

Arsenal offer £34m for Raphinha

Raphinha is wanted at the Emirates

Arsenal have submitted their opening offer for Raphinha, according to Football 365. The Brazilian has failed to live up to expectations since joining Barcelona from Leeds United a couple of summers ago.

Raphinha dropped fell down the pecking order behind rising star Lamine Yamal in the 2023-24 season. The 27-year-old still managed a respectable return of 13 goals and 10 assists from 37 games across competitions, but his future remains up in the air.

The Gunners are planning to take advantage of the situation and have already offered £34m for the Brazilian. However, the Catalan giants are hoping to raise more than £50m from his sale. Chelsea are also eyeing Raphinha with interest, although they are yet to submit an offer.