Arsenal have set their sights on Mikel Merino as their premier midfield acquisition target and recently put forward a verbal offer of £26 million to Real Sociedad. Despite this, Mundo Deportivo reports that no formal bid has yet been made.
While Arsenal are determined to secure the Spanish international and are ‘prepared to go all out,’ Sociedad is still awaiting an official offer. Atletico Madrid is the only club that has made a concrete proposal to Merino, but he has turned it down.
The Gunners are on the brink of signing Merino, having already reached an agreement on personal terms for a long-term contract.
The transfer could soon be completed as Sociedad has already signed Luka Susic from Red Bull Salzburg, a left-footed central midfielder expected to replace Merino.
Arsenal typically focuses on completing one deal at a time. With Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham now confirmed, they may expedite their efforts to finalize Merino’s transfer
Kieran Tierney has described Merino as ‘world-class,’ emphasizing his outstanding defensive capabilities and creativity in midfield. Last season in La Liga, Merino excelled, winning 10.2 duels per game, making 6.2 recoveries, and achieving 2.4 tackles per match.
He also averaged nearly two clearances per game. Furthermore, the former Newcastle United player impressed in the attacking third, contributing to 13 goals. These comprehensive skills make him an ideal fit for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
(Statistics sourced from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com)
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