Last week, El Diario Vasco reported Arsenal were bidding the most to sign Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino this summer.
The midfielder’s contract lasts until 2025, and he hasn’t accepted the new deal offered by the La Liga side so far.
Barcelona want to sign him, but will face competition from Arsenal, according to Friday’s edition of Sport.
Merino was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad and it’s normal that his displays for club and country have attracted attention.
Arsenal are keen on securing his services, and the report states they are ‘tempting’ him with an opportunity to play in the Premier League and the Champions League.
According to El Chiringuito, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone wants Merino at his disposal next season. This is relayed by Sport, who then add their own take on this case.
Merino has a €60m clause, but La Real are aware that they won’t be able to receive this figure as his deal expires next year.
Their idea is to ‘try to not miss the opportunity’ to earn as much as possible to avoid losing the player for free in 2025. There’s belief an agreement could be reached with the Madrid club for €30-35m.
Previous Spanish reports have suggested it could be lower.
Simeone and Mikel Arteta want their clubs to secure Merino’s services. The Gunners and Atlético seem to be ahead of Barca, as they can offer better financial package than the Catalan club, to both Real Sociedad and the player.
Arsenal would have to overcome competition from Atlético to try and sign Merino in this window.
