Last weekend, we covered claims from Spain that Barcelona will face danger from Arsenal in the race to sign Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
Two days ago, Sport stated Mikel Arteta had called the midfielder to convey the Gunners’ ‘big plans’ for him.
The Spain international has a year left on his deal and without a renewal, he should be sold this summer.
Merino is happy with his life at La Real, but is still tempted by an exit. This has led to concerns within the San Sebastian club, who aren’t optimistic of renewing his deal.
The former Newcastle United man is currently with the national team at the Euros, after which he will hold a meeting with the Spanish club to define his future.
Mundo say that if there’s no agreement for a renewal during the meeting, Real Sociedad will decide to sell him this summer.
Merino is on Barcelona’s agenda, but the newspaper claims they will have ‘little to do’ if Arsenal table an offer to secure his services.
In short, both Real Sociedad [to retain Merino] and Barcelona are worried about Arsenal.
