On Tuesday, we covered claims from Spain which stated Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino is getting closer to Arsenal. It was also reported the Gunners would step up their efforts to sign him once they complete the deal for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori.
Two days ago, Sport said Arsenal are likely to be the midfielder’s next destination. They even insisted that the Gunners could sign him for €25m this summer.
Barcelona have also shown interest in the 28-year-old, and Estadio Deportivo brings the latest on the Catalan club and Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino.
His deal lasts until 2025, and hasn’t accepted the renewal offer proposed by the La Liga side. They wanted the Spain international to make a quick decision on his future.
Estadio say the Euro 2024 winner’s future has ‘drastically changed in the last few hours’. At this moment in time, La Real haven’t received any offers, and this gives them hope to keep him.
Barca and Arsenal have been the two main interested parties, but the report explains that they both have ‘put an end’ to their pursuit of the former Newcastle United man.
Estadio are basing this on the fact that Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t tabled a bid so far. The Gunners still have over a month to make an offer, and they are focusing on completing the deal for Calafiori.
The Spaniard is ‘waiting for offers’, and despite Estadio stating that Arsenal have ‘put an end’ to their interest in Merino, they could still sign him in the next few weeks.
