When Mikel Merino to Arsenal really got going this summer, the general slant in Spain was that Real Sociedad would get €30-35m from the transfer.
As the window grew older, that crept down towards the €30m level, given Real Sociedad face the prospect of losing the midfielder on a free transfer if he doesn’t move and doesn’t renew. There were even suggestions it could go lower.
However, over the past week, it’s gone the other way. For example, Cope report Arsenal have offered €30m plus a further €5m in bonus payments, but La Real have rejected that because they want more than €40m.
Merino’s camp are said to be ‘moderately optimistic’ that the transfer will happen. Whilst the 28-year-old is described as being excited about a move to the Premier League, it’s said he doesn’t rule out the prospect of staying at Real Sociedad for another year.
Perhaps La Real feel they could get Merino to sign a one year extension if he stays, therefore ruling out a free transfer next summer and giving a reason for them being tough in Arsenal negotiations right now.
