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Real Sociedad are one of the clubs interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino. The former Borussia Dortmund man is expected to leave the Magpies and return to Spain this summer.

The San Sebastian based outfit’s president Jokin Aperribay admitted his side are “focused on closing” the deal for Merino. According to AS, the 22-year-old is not the only Premier League player Sociedad are looking at in the ongoing transfer window.

Merino is represented by the Bahia group, who also manage Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal. The Spain international has emerged as a transfer target for the Spanish club, who have already “made first contact” with his agent while discussing about the Newcastle player.

Spanish newspaper AS claims Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe has made Monreal his first choice left-back target. They are aware that any approach from them in signing Monreal will be “complex”, but they are convinced to give it a try.

The Gunners left-back is currently on vacation following Spain’s elimination from the 2018 World Cup. Prior to his trip to Russia, Monreal had made it clear that he has no intention to leave the north London club.

He has one year left on his contract and the 32-year-old could leave Arsenal as a free agent next summer. The possibility to cash in from his sale could change the opinion of Unai Emery’s side to sanction his sale.

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