Barcelona and Atletico Madrid plot January raids on Arsenal for Piero Hincapie and Mikel Merino - Euro Transfer News

Arsenal's Piero Hincapie is reportedly a transfer target for Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window, while Atletico Madrid are said to be considering a loan move for another Premier League winner, Mikel Merino.

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Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is looking for defensive reinforcements for Hansi Flick’s side.

And Sport claims that Hincapie, a 24-year-old Ecuadorian who joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent deal this summer after spending a season on loan at the Emirates Stadium, is a player that interests him.

The outlet reports: "The sporting management, headed by Deco, is exploring different alternatives and one of the names that has appeared on their agenda is that of Piero Hincapie, who is not enjoying the expected prominence this season.

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"The Ecuadorian has struggled to find continuity, and is not currently among the Spanish coach's first options.

"His profile, however, fits perfectly into what Barca are looking for. Hincapie is left-footed, has international experience, and offers a versatility that is especially valued by Flick.

"He can play both as a centre-back and as a left-back. Both Deco and Flick have excellent reports on the Ecuadorian international."

The report adds, however, that Arteta is "reluctant to get rid of players in January" given the likely demands on his squad this season, as the Gunners aim to defend their Premier League title and win the UEFA Champions League.

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Simeone targets Merino

Atletico Madrid are considering a loan move for Arsenal’s Merino, according to El Nacional.

The Premier League winner helped Spain to World Cup in the summer, but he has found starts hard to come by at the north London club this season.

And Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to take him to the Metropolitano Stadium.

The outlet reports: "Among the candidates to leave, we have Mikel Merino, who was out for many months last season, due to a serious injury.

"Fortunately, he recovered in time to be able to be in the World Cup, where he was again decisive for the Spanish team to win the title, with two saving goals.

"On his return to London, he hoped to be able to regain an important role. But the reality has been totally opposite.

"Although he has had minutes, his usual role has been that of a catalyst, living in the shadow of team-mates such as Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Eberechi Eze or Myles Lewis-Skelly, to mention a few names.

"It is understandable that he is not satisfied with his current situation, and that he is looking for a solution. So an outing in the month of January may be the best for everyone.

"Atleti are considering requesting the loan of Merino until June. The formula that Atleti have in mind to be able to recruit Merino would be a loan, until the end of the season, with a non-mandatory purchase option, of about €30 million [£25m]."

Barca could revive Bastoni deal

Barcelona could also revive their interest in defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to Sky Sport in Switzerland.

However, Internazionale are demanding €70m (£58m) for the 27-year-old, who scored in the club's 3-1 defeat to derby rivals AC Milan on Saturday.

The report states: "Bastoni remains a top target for Barcelona. And contrary to what the situation may have suggested in recent months, the Catalan club has never truly ruled out signing the Italian international defender.

"Last summer, Barcelona had gone far in negotiations. A contractual agreement had even been reached with the 27-year-old, who had committed to a contract running until June 2031. But Hansi Flick ultimately decided not to pursue the deal.

"Barca now hopes to revive the transfer saga in the coming months. Further meetings with the player's representatives are expected to gauge his position, and move the discussions forward.

"But Barcelona will also have to take the next step by directly contacting Inter's management. In Milan, the position remains firm. The club is still demanding €70m to even consider releasing its star defender."

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Felix 'interested' in Barca return

El Nacional also claim that there is a possibility of Al Nassr midfielder Joao Felix returning to Barcelona.

Felix, 26, spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Camp Nou from Atletico Madrid. And agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly proposed a return to the club.

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The report states: "Joao Felix is giving arguments for his name to appear again around Barca.

"For Hansi Flick, an eventual proposal from Jorge Mendes would raise a sporting question when assessing whether that version can bring something different to the alternatives he already has.

"In this sense, the player's interest in returning has recent precedents. A few weeks ago, several reports indicated that Mendes had conveyed to the club his willingness to explore a return.

"Its performance allows this possibility to be fed from the grass. Barca's decision would have to start from a specific need, because incorporating offensive talent also requires finding a function and space within the squad."

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