- Arsenal in negotiations with Real Sociedad
- They want to secure the services of Mikel
- The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield
Arsenal are reportedly in negotiations with Real Sociedad to secure the services of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options ahead of the upcoming season and see Merino as a valuable addition to their squad.
The 28-year-old played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, featuring in all seven matches and scoring the decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
With less than a year remaining on his contract at Real Sociedad, Arsenal may have an advantage in negotiations as Merino could potentially sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.
Merino’s teammate, Martin Zubimendi, recently rejected a move to Liverpool, but Arsenal hope to convince the Spanish midfielder to make a switch to the Premier League.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Merino would provide a physical presence in the Arsenal midfield and could be a valuable asset at set pieces.
The Spaniard is capable of playing both as a deep-lying midfielder and in a more box-to-box role, offering versatility to Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.
He would compete for a starting place with Declan Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino has previous experience in the Premier League, having spent a season at Newcastle United before joining Real Sociedad in 2018.
He also played alongside Odegaard during the Norwegian’s loan spell at the Spanish club in 2019-20.
Last season, Merino made 45 appearances in all competitions for Real Sociedad, scoring eight goals.
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market this summer, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. They sold Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and signed Riccardo Calafiori from Roma.
The future of striker Eddie Nketiah remains uncertain, with Marseille, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace expressing interest in his services.
