Despite various hints of a move getting closer last week, and even some claims of a rough agreement for the transfer to happen, it was always unlikely that anything serious would develop on Mikel Merino to Arsenal before today.
That’s related to the midfielder travelling to England or Real Sociedad announcing an agreement had been made. There’s a simple but key reason for that.
Real Sociedad welcome Rayo Vallecano this evening for their La Liga opener. Prior to the match there’s a planned celebration of local footballers and athletes who had major achievements over the summer.
For example, those who won the Euros with Spain, and others who achieved success at the Olympics. When it was announced a few days ago, Merino was front and centre, so it would be considered somewhat odd for him to fly off to Arsenal before that and it would be out of character.
Merino is again out of the squad, just like he was for the last preseason match, and Mundo Deportivo’s Basque section reports he’s ‘finalising his move’ to Arsenal.
The same newspaper has another article explaining there’s no hard feelings towards Merino. He’s described as being ‘elegant on and off the pitch’, and is clearly greatly respected around La Real.
So this evening can be a celebration and a goodbye, before he starts a new adventure with Arsenal.
