On Thursday, Noticias de Gipuzkoa reported Real Sociedad have left Mikel Merino out of their squad for their pre-season trip to Germany as Arsenal lurk around to sign him.
The midfielder has been waiting for the Gunners to secure his services this summer, but they haven’t made an offer so far.
A fresh report from Noticias de Gipuzkoa says Arsenal ‘intend to undertake’ the deal in the next few days.
The La Liga side know Arsenal are going to call them to negotiate a deal for the 28-year-old. The report says this is normal since the north London club have already convinced the player.
Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t yet launched a decisive assault, and the newspaper indicates they could be forced to do so because of developments elsewhere.
Recent claims have stated Liverpool are keen on signing Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and this has made Arsenal and Merino’s entourage ‘nervous’.
It’s claimed both are ‘afraid’ that La Real will stop the former Newcastle United man’s exit, if his compatriot were to join the Reds. Therefore, Arsenal don’t intend to wait any longer and will ‘formalise a firm offer in the next few days’.
Merino has a €65m release clause, but the Spanish club can’t demand this figure since his deal lasts until 2025. Noticias de Gipuzkoa state the player’s entourage remains hopeful that Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay won’t request more than €25m.
Meanwhile, Spanish journalist Kike Marin claims Merino isn’t travelling with Real Sociedad to Germany because the player is certain that he’ll go to Arsenal. His club are waiting for the Gunners’ call to negotiate the transfer.
