Barcelona, Atletico Eye January Moves for Arsenal Stars
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both exploring transfer options involving Arsenal players ahead of the January window.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Soccer
Atletico Madrid are considering a loan move for Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino until June, with a non-mandatory purchase option of about €30 million (£25m). Barcelona's sporting management, headed by Deco, is exploring alternatives including Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie.
Why it matters
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reluctant to sell players in January given the likely demands on his squad this season. For Barcelona, the search for defensive reinforcements continues as Alessandro Bastoni's future remains unresolved.
Atletico's proposed purchase option for Merino is about €30 million (£25m), while Inter are demanding €70m (£58m) for 27-year-old Bastoni. Neither figure has been agreed, and Bastoni is contracted to June 2031 under an agreement reached with Barcelona last summer.
The players
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal's manager, who is reluctant to sell players in January given the likely demands on his squad this season.
Hansi Flick
Barcelona's head coach, who decided not to pursue the Bastoni deal agreed by the club last summer.
Deco
Former Barcelona and Portugal midfielder who heads the club's sporting management and is exploring transfer alternatives.
Alessandro Bastoni
Italian defender for Inter who scored in a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan and is the subject of a €70m asking price.
The details
Hincapie, a 24-year-old Ecuadorian left-footed defender, joined Arsenal permanently from Bayer Leverkusen this summer after a season on loan, but is not among Hansi Flick's first options at Barcelona. Merino, who was out for many months last season with a serious injury, helped Spain win the World Cup this summer, scoring two saving goals, but has found starts hard to come by at Arsenal.
Timeline
Summer: Hincapie joins Arsenal permanently from Bayer Leverkusen.
Last season: Merino is out for many months with a serious injury.
Summer: Merino helps Spain win the World Cup.
January: Potential transfer window for Barcelona and Atletico moves.
Season Trajectory
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are using the January window to address squad depth at a point when Arsenal's rotation options are being tested. Such mid-season loan and permanent moves are a recurring feature of the European football calendar as clubs manage injuries and competing demands.
Arsenal's depth in midfield and defense could shift if Merino or Hincapie leaves on loan or permanently. Fantasy managers tracking Arsenal and Barcelona squads should watch the January window for changes in playing time.
The takeaway
Transfer activity in January often reshapes squad rotation for the rest of the season, so the outcomes of these talks will matter for both clubs' depth. Readers should expect developments as negotiations with Inter and Bastoni's representatives continue.
What happens next
The January transfer window is the next key point at which the Merino loan and the Bastoni and Hincapie discussions could be resolved.
Further reading
For broader context on squad building and transfer strategy, explore our Soccer coverage.
