Diego Simeone identifies Barcelona target as his preference to strengthen Atletico Madrid squad | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid will be one of the teams to watch during the summer transfer window. Several big-money signings are projected – Robin Le Normand is the first of those, while negotiations are ongoing for David Hancko and Artem Dovbyk. A new midfielder is also wanted, given that Saul Niguez has left to join Sevilla.

Numerous names have been linked with Atleti over the last few weeks/months, but for head coach Diego Simeone, one player stands above the rest: Mikel Merino. The 27-year-old is his choice to strengthen his midfield options, as reported by El Chiringuito.

Signing Merino should be fairly realistic for Atleti – he’s projected to leave Real Sociedad this summer after showing no signs of wanting to extend his contract (which expires in 2025). The problem is that Barcelona are also pushing for him, while Arsenal are also keen on a move for the Euro 2024 winner.

Merino would be a top addition to the Atletico Madrid squad, and if he were to join soon-to-be former La Real teammate Le Normand at the Metropolitano, it would be outstanding business. However, it will be tricky to beat Barcelona and Arsenal in the race to secure his signature.