Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has insisted there are no hard feelings with Mikel Merino as he heads to Arsenal.
El Diario Vasco cover comments from the Real Sociedad manager today after Arsenal agreed a deal for the Spanish midfielder yesterday.
Merino has since been spotted at Sociedad collecting his belongings and saying goodbye to teammates and staff.
He’s expected to fly to London at some point today before undergoing a medical with Arsenal and completing a deal that could be worth as much as €37.5m.
His departure will bring an end to a six year stay at Sociedad that has seen him managed 242 appearances, 27 goals, 30 assists and one Spanish cup.
He’s been a key player for them in recent years and proven to be a superb piece of business after costing just €12m in July 2018.
The club have waved him off happily given the money they’re receiving from Arsenal, which will make him the Spanish side’s fourth most expensive departure.
And Alguacil has continued that positive stance today, insisting he’s proud to see the player heading to join Arsenal.
“I told him thank you,” he said.
“I’m happy because as Real’s coach I want to say goodbye like this. A boy who came at 22 years old, still undeveloped, and has given us six impressive years.
“An example for all the Real players, that he leaves money and feels for Real Sociedad. We want signings like that. I also feel proud that Merino is taking this important step of going to Arsenal.”
