Two days ago, Radio Marca reported Arsenal have made a formal offer for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
AS claim the Gunners tabled around €30m and it was rejected by the La Liga side, who want €40m for the midfielder.
La Real president Jokin Aperribay will find it difficult to close the deal for €40m since the player’s deal expires in 2025.
The Spanish club face the risk of losing him for free next year, but this doesn’t seem to bother them. Therefore, they have turned down Arsenal’s opening bid for the 28-year-old.
AS point out the Premier League side have funds and Mikel Arteta is keen to have Merino at the Emirates, they say he’s ‘on the way out’ as the Gunners work to close the deal.
The report indicates the north London club could raise their bid by improving the fixed fee, bonuses or a percentage of a fee from a future sale.
Merino has refused to sign an extension and wants to go to Arsenal. Therefore, Real Sociedad have agreed to negotiate and have made the terms clear to sanction his sale.
Arteta’s side are ‘openly negotiating’ for the former Newcastle United man. They’ll have various means to improve their offer to sign Merino in this window.
The player has a deal in place with Arsenal and is waiting for the two clubs to find an agreement.
If it’s correct the Gunners have offered €30m, then La Real should likely be snatching their hands off.
