Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, but the club has yet to make a formal offer. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Arsenal and Liverpool are both showing significant interest in Adrien Rabiot.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is keen on adding experienced and stable midfield options and is considering Rabiot, who is available on a free transfer.
Arsenal seems more likely to secure Merino than Rabiot. After parting ways with Emile Smith Rowe, the Gunners are looking to invest in a new central midfielder.
Merino has reportedly accepted a long-term contract with Arsenal, choosing them over Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The club is expected to make a formal bid for the 28-year-old, aiming to sign him for less than his £26 million valuation.
While there are links to Rabiot, it is unlikely that Arsenal will sign two left-footed central midfielders in the same transfer window. Merino offers superior defensive and offensive capabilities compared to Rabiot.
Last season, Merino averaged 10.2 duels, 2.4 tackles, and 6.2 recoveries per game, and contributed 13 goals for Sociedad. In contrast, Rabiot’s stats were lower, with 5.7 duels, 1.9 tackles, and 4.8 recoveries per game, and eight goal contributions for Juventus.
Rabiot, despite being a free agent, could be a costly acquisition. His previous salary at Juventus was £145,000 per week, and he is expected to demand over £200,000 per week along with a significant signing-on bonus. In comparison, Merino currently earns £52,000 per week at Sociedad and could be secured with a 100% salary increase.
Overall, a deal for Merino is more sensible for Arsenal from both sporting and financial perspectives. The ongoing speculation regarding Rabiot may be driven by his agent to generate interest from other clubs.
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