Arsenal handed transfer boost as Barcelona bow out of race to sign transfer target: Reports

Arsenal have allegedly received a huge boost in their pursuit of Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino as Barcelona have decided to drop out of the ongoing transfer race.

Merino, who is adept at playing in multiple roles at the centre of the park, has lately drawn interest from a number of European clubs. The 28-year-old helped Spain lift the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy, scoring the vital winner in his team's 2-1 last-eight win over hosts Germany.

As a result, both Arsenal and Barcelona have reportedly been keeping tabs on the former Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United star for a couple of weeks. Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona have withdrawn from the race to snap up the star ahead of the next term.

Barcelona, who finished second in the 2023-24 La Liga table, could allegedly have launched a move for Merino if Frenkie de Jong's sale went through. However, with De Jong currently recovering from a lengthy ankle injury, Barcelona are unlikely to find interested clubs.

Merino, whose contract is set to expire next June, has helped Real Sociedad lift a Copa del Rey trophy so far. He has scored 27 goals and laid out 30 assists in 242 games across competitions for his club.

Aaron Ramsdale urged to leave Arsenal

Speaking on talkSPORT, ex-Chelsea and Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic asserted that Aaron Ramsdale should seal a move away from Arsenal. He said (h/t HITC):

"I know the luxury of these top clubs who try to have two elite world-class goalkeepers on the books, but it gets really difficult. So, it's got to be pulling on Aaron's strings, he wants to play – he's too good not to play. It's not easy of course with other factors such as valuations to be met but if you're him, he's too good not to play."

Begovic, who is an ex-Bournemouth teammate of Ramsdale, added:

"He probably should go, he needs to go for his career and his England chances, but if Arsenal don't let him go, he's still under contract and [the club have to] pay his wages, so it's a really tricky situation."

Ramsdale, who left Sheffield United for £30 million in 2021, fell down in his team's pecking order last season. He made 11 appearances across competitions, keeping three shutouts and conceding 12 goals.

Meanwhile, the Gunners turned David Raya's loan deal from Brentford permanent for £27 million earlier in July. Raya registered 20 shutouts and shipping 31 goals in 41 games in all competitions along the way.