On Thursday, Noticias de Gipuzkoa reported Arsenal have made their first bid of around €30m to sign Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino this summer. It was also stated he’s very close to joining the Premier League side.
Friday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo dismisses this as they claim the Gunners haven’t tabled a formal offer for the 28-year-old.
The midfielder has less than a year left on his contract, and hasn’t accepted a renewal offer. His future could be away from the La Liga side and Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on signing him.
Mikel Arteta wants the Spain international and Arsenal are ‘determined to go all in’ to secure his services. Despite that, at this moment in time, the Andalusian club have no knowledge of the Gunners even preparing an offer.
In fact, it’s said the north London club haven’t yet opened talks with Real Sociedad over signing the Euro 2024 winner.
Merino is enjoying his break, and is scheduled to return for training next Monday. Mundo say La Real are waiting for Arsenal or another club to make an offer, but they have doubts whether any of them will make a convincing bid before August 5th.
Atlético Madrid are the only club to have made an offer to Real Sociedad, but Merino has turned them down.
Merino hasn’t yet held talks with La Real, who are aware that his exit is ‘gaining strength’. There could be developments once he returns from vacation next week.
