Over the past few weeks, the Spanish media have talked about Arsenal’s desire to sign Mikel Merino. He’s likely to leave Real Sociedad this summer after refusing to extend his contract beyond 2025.
On Wednesday, Mundo Deportivo reported Arsenal are willing to pay the fee in one go, while Barcelona, another interested party, can only do it in instalments.
Later that day, El Diario Vasco stated the La Liga side made a last-ditch effort to renew his deal.
Thursday’s edition of Sport says ‘everything indicates’ Merino will be a new Arsenal player.
The 28-year-old has been the priority target for Barca, while Atlético Madrid have shown interest in him. Sport say it’s almost impossible financially for the Catalan club to sign the midfielder, unless they were to sell Frenkie de Jong.
Merino favours a move to the Premier League over Atlético. These factors indicate the Spain international’s future is likely to be in England, where ‘he would sign for Arsenal’.
Sport say Real Sociedad will keep him and let his contract expire unless they receive an attractive offer in this window.
This could come from Arsenal as it’s claimed Mikel Arteta’s side would offer around €25m for Merino, and this is likely to be enough to convince the Spanish club to sanction his sale.
