Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'planning' bid for leading Barcelona target

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Spain international's future, with Barcelona believed to be keen to bring him to Camp Nou during the summer market.

However, the Catalan outfit are currently prioritising a deal for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, who is viewed as the leading target for Hansi Flick's side ahead of the new campaign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are also keen on Merino, and the Gunners have signalled that they are willing to pay €30m (£25.2m) to secure his signature during the current window.

The report claims that the midfielder is open to making the move back to English football, but he is believed to be giving priority to Barcelona at this stage of the transfer market.

Arsenal 'interested' in summer deal for Merino

The release clause in Merino's Real Sociedad contract is believed to be €60m (£50.6m), but with his deal expiring next summer, it is possible that the midfielder will leave for less in the current window.

Merino has scored 27 goals and registered 30 assists in 242 appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions, including eight goals and five assists in 45 outings during the 2023-24 campaign.

The midfielder was in strong form for Spain at Euro 2024, meanwhile, appearing in each of his country's seven matches at the tournament.

Merino scored a late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition, before featuring off the bench against France and England in the semi-finals and final respectively.

How did Merino perform in his previous spell in England?

The Spaniard moved to Newcastle United on loan in July 2017 from Borussia Dortmund, before the deal became permanent in October of the same year, with Merino making a certain number of appearances.

In total, the midfielder turned out for the Magpies on 25 occasions, scoring once and providing one assist, with 24 of those outings coming in the Premier League.

It was a short spell in England, as he moved to Real Sociedad in July 2018, but he has certainly developed as a player since leaving the Premier League six years ago.

Merino has proven to be an excellent performer for his Basque club in recent years, and it would be a huge blow to them if he was to depart this summer.

Barcelona are seemingly at the head of the queue, but Arsenal are said to be exploring the possibility of bringing him back to English football for the 2024-25 campaign.