Atlético's Plan B in case the signing of Mikel Merino falls through

The Real Sociedad player has the word, although several Premier clubs like Arsenal, or Barcelona in Spain, want to sign him.

Diego Medina | 27 Jul 2024 | 17.30
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Mikel Merino, player for Real Sociedad. He is on Atlético's radar as a possible signing.
Mikel Merino, player for Real Sociedad. He is on Atlético's radar as a possible signing.

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Mikel Merino has become the top priority for Atlético de Madrid to strengthen their midfield in the current transfer market, according to MARCA. Despite the potential arrival of the Spanish player, there is still room for a defensive midfielder to be signed — with Ederson from Benfica being the preferred target, although his transfer seems challenging due to high demands from the Italian club. However, all focus is on Merino, who has captured the attention of the entire Atlético de Madrid board.

From the Football Director, Carlos Bucero, to the President Enrique Cerezo, passing through CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Sports Director Andrea Berta, all agree that Merino would fit perfectly into Atlético de Madrid's ambitious project. Coach Diego Simeone is also enthusiastic about the potential addition of the Spanish midfielder, who has been informed of the important role he could play in a team that has been one of the few clubs to have participated in the last 12 editions of the Champions League alongside powerhouses like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Atlético has presented a specific offer to Merino during his Euro Cup concentration, but the situation has become complex with the emergence of other suitors. While Merino has shown interest in the Wanda Metropolitano project and the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, the time passed without a definitive response has raised some concerns. Arsenal, the current European champion, has also shown interest in the midfielder, while Real Sociedad, his current club, has improved their renewal offer in a last effort to retain their star.

Conor Galhager, the alternative to Mikel Merino

Amid this uncertainty, Atlético has begun to consider alternatives. Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, a 24-year-old central midfielder, emerges as plan B if Merino decides against moving to the Metropolitano. Andrea Berta has already started discussions to explore the conditions for a potential transfer, although Gallagher's release clause of €50 million set by Chelsea poses a significant challenge for the red-and-white club.

Despite the situation, Atlético de Madrid remains focused on Mikel Merino, demonstrating a firm intention to secure his signing and position themselves as a serious contender in the upcoming season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Plan B del Atlético por si falla el fichaje de Mikel Merino