Arsenal is eager to sign one of Real Sociedad’s standout players, Mikel Merino, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo (Gipuzkoa edition).
The Gunners have pinpointed Merino as their primary target for midfield reinforcement and are said to have made a verbal offer of £26 million to Sociedad. However, the report clarifies that there has been no official bid submitted yet.
Despite Arsenal’s strong interest and readiness to pursue Merino vigorously, Real Sociedad has not received any formal offers. Currently, Atletico Madrid is the only other club that has made a proposal, which Merino has rejected.
There is optimism that Arsenal could secure Merino’s services shortly, as they have already reached an agreement on personal terms for a long-term contract with the player.
This potential transfer seems more feasible now that Sociedad has signed Luka Susic from Red Bull Salzburg, who is seen as a capable replacement for Merino. Susic is a left-footed central midfielder and is expected to fill the gap left by Merino’s departure.
Typically, Arsenal prefers to finalize one transfer at a time. They recently announced Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham, which may pave the way for them to intensify their efforts to acquire Merino.
Described as “world-class” by teammate Kieran Tierney, Merino would represent a significant addition to Arsenal’s squad, especially given his impressive defensive and creative capabilities from the midfield.
In the previous La Liga season, Merino demonstrated his skill by winning an impressive 10.2 duels per game, alongside making 6.2 recoveries and 2.4 tackles. He also averaged nearly two clearances each match, highlighting his strong defensive presence.
Offensively, Merino contributed significantly with 13 goal involvements, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness in the final third. His well-rounded skill set could make him an ideal signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, as the team looks to strengthen its midfield ahead of the upcoming season.
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