On Sunday, Mundo Deportivo reported Barcelona face danger from Arsenal in their pursuit of Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.
Monday’s edition of Sport backs up this claim and provides the latest on Arsenal’s efforts to sign the midfielder.
Merino’s deal lasts until 2025 and the report says he isn’t keen on signing an extension. Therefore, the La Liga side feel ‘all roads lead towards a transfer’ for around €25m.
The Spain international has received interest from Barca and Arsenal. He’s well aware the Catalan club will need time to table an offer, and this is a disadvantage for them when compared with the Gunners, where Mikel Arteta is leading the interest.
It’s claimed Arteta wants to sign his compatriot for Arsenal ‘no matter what’. The manager has already called the Real Sociedad star to convey the ‘big plans’ he has for him, and the player is ‘seduced’ by the possibility of moving to the Emirates.
Merino spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle United. The midfielder has an opportunity to return to England by joining Arsenal, where he has the ‘absolute confidence’ of Arteta.
La Real assume the player could be sold for €25m, and this is affordable for Arsenal.
