Arsenal are in advanced talks with Real Sociedad to land Mikel Merino, and as things stand, the deal is very close as Edu is fully involved in the process.
Mikel Arteta is a stringent admirer of the Spanish ace and had talks with him before the start of the summer transfer window.
He shares some similarities with the 28-year-old, as the manager also played for Sociedad during his early days. But there is one more individual who has a strong connection with Merino.
ØDEGAARD CLAIMS AN ASSIST IN MERINO TRANSFER NEGOTIATIONS
As per @Arsene23Wenger, Gunners’ captain Martin Ødegaard played a vital role in convincing the La Real star to choose Arsenal when things looked bleak.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay tried to delay the entire transfer process and the midfielder was never close to making it through. However, Ødegaard remained in contact with the No.8 and convinced him to remain calm.
🗣Martin Odegaard can claim an assist in the Mikel Merino negotiations as the president of Sociedad Jokin Aperribay delayed the process Martin stayed in contact with Mikel and kept the process calm . Once Arteta outlined his plan to Merino as far back as May only one team was in… pic.twitter.com/8nUVttrFLc
— Arteta’s Red Army #ArsenalFanaticsNews (@Arsenal23Wenger) August 21, 2024
Three months down the line, Arsenal are now ready to spend £30 million for the Euro 2024 champion.
MUST READ: What number could Mikel Merino take up at Arsenal?
The Norwegian midfielder knows a thing or two about the potential new signing. He played alongside Merino while he was on loan at Anoeta Stadium from Real Madrid. The midfielder provided cover to the Arsenal star and helped him improve his attacking skillset as a CAM.
Ødegaard will be the happiest person in the dressing room if he succeeds in helping the Gooners land their top target by this week. The captain cool looks like an agent in disguise.
He tried convincing Erling Haaland to move to the Emirates two years ago and had daily conversations with the world-class striker. However, the goal machine decided to join Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund.
WHY THE DELAY?
We expect the deal to be wrapped up anytime soon since Edu is in constant contact with his counterparts.
With personal terms already being agreed upon, they just need to finalise a fee for the Spaniard. The difference might look less, but it took ages for the fans to witness this transfer happen.
The delay caused was owing a problem around agent fees that the Gunners denied to pay complemented by the Spanish club pressuring Merino into forgiving the bonuses in order to complete a move to Arsenal. Mikel ended up giving in as he agreed to only 50% of his entitled pay of the previous campaign and to give up his loyalty bonus to join Arsenal.
🗣 Mikel Merino Saga is finally coming to an end . Merino has agreed to only 50% of his entitled last season pay and to give up his loyalty bonus. The Real Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay pushed Mikel to the point of requesting a transfer . An exorbitant agent fee also was… pic.twitter.com/QhmyzIe2Un
— Arteta’s Red Army #ArsenalFanaticsNews (@Arsenal23Wenger) August 21, 2024
Talking about Merino, the experienced midfielder will provide a different dimension to the team’s core. He is versatile enough to play as a No.6 or a No.8. Arteta might be planning to use him alongside Declan Rice and Ødeegard in midfield.
This will free up their dependence on Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who have just one year remaining on their current contract. The fans can also witness Kai Havertz being used as the first-choice striker more often.
The Sociedad star is a very consistent player, having made an average of 30 appearances over the past six seasons with the La Liga outfit.
MUST READ: Hale End gem to be shipped off as Arsenal makes shocking decision
Also, he will fulfil the manager’s preference to stick with physically dominant players. He will be the eighth player in the squad to boast a height of more than 6ft (alongside new signing Riccardo Calafiori).
As the positives keep on coming, will Merino help Arsenal overthrow Man City in the race to lift the prestigious Premier League trophy?
Only time will tell.
