Two days ago, Mundo Deportivo reported Mikel Arteta is trying to convince Mikel Merino to join Arsenal.
On Thursday, El Diario Vasco stated the Premier League side are bidding the most to sign the midfielder.
Friday’s edition of Sport claims Arsenal are set to challenge Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in the chase for the 28-year-old, with Diego Simeone’s side currently in the third spot.
The Spain international’s contract lasts until 2025 and La Real’s aim is to sell him to the highest bidder in this window.
The Gunners and Barcelona have called the player and both seem to have seduced him. Hansi Flick’s side have identified Merino as the main midfield target, and they should let his camp know next week whether or not they can sign him.
If the Catalan club were to take further steps to secure his services, Sport claim Merino would prefer them over Arsenal, even though the north London club are ‘pushing hard’ to sign him. Should this happen, Barca would be looking to sign him for around €20-25m.
El Desmarque state Arsenal, Barcelona and Atlético have shown the most interest in the player, and among these, Arteta’s side have the ‘most financial muscle’ to carry out the operation.
