Player out of pre-season squad as Arsenal hover to sign him – Won’t be travelling amid transfer situation

Arsenal target Mikel Merino has been left out of Real Sociedad’s squad heading to Germany for a pre-season clash with FC Union Berlin.

That’s according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, who report that Merino will be absent despite the fact other transfer linked players in the squad are making the journey.

According to the newspaper, Merino will be the ‘big absence’ in the Real Sociedad squad as they head out for their final pre-season game of their preparations this summer.

They report that Arsenal, and specifically Mikel Arteta, still want Merino as they continue to try and build a squad to finally dethrone Manchester City.

Numerous reports have indicated they’re closing in on a deal for the Euro 2024 winner, but a deal has yet to be finalised, with it reported in Spain that Arsenal haven’t taken that final step to do so yet.

Whether his absence from this squad is an indication that may be about to change isn’t made clear.

Martin Zubimendi, linked with Liverpool this week, is part of the squad.

Mundo Deportivo report Merino is ‘staying at home pending a resolution of his future’, whilst Diario Vasco say it’s due to physical issues.