Arsenal have been linked with a move for Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, with the Gunners looking to add depth and quality in the middle of the park. The Gunners are closing in for a move to land the 28-year-old following a late attempt by Real Sociedad to secure the midfielder on a new contract.
Merino has been a standout performer for Spain in the recently concluded European Championships. And his performances have convinced the Premier League giants to push on efforts to land Merino this summer.
Arteta Keen on Adding Spanish Flair to Midfield
Arsenal are set to conclude a move for Italian international Riccardo Calafiori, who also enjoyed a standout European Championship along the way. And with the 22-year-old’s signatures secured, they are now ready to fortify their attentions on other arrivals.
Merino is one of the most consistent and percentile midfielders in the Spanish top division and a player that would add on multiple facets to the current roster.
The North Londoners are in the market for a new midfielder this summer as they look to increase the depth and raise the floor in the middle of the park. Initially, the club wanted to bring in a more athletic and physical profile capable of playing in the defensive midfield role. However, with the exit-bound Thomas Partey set to continue at London Colney, the Gunners will pivot from their initial need of a DM to signing a player who can feature in the eight role.
This pushed Mikel Arteta to consider Mikel Merino, who comes on back of an excellent season at Real Sociedad and Spain. Atletico Madrid put in a formal approach for the player; however, the 28-year-old rejected the opportunity to move to the Spanish capital as he couldn’t connect with the project presented by Diego Simeone’s side.
This leaves Arsenal as the front runners to his signatures.
Merino to Arsenal: A Matter of Time?
And Team News and Ticks, taking to his Patreon account, confirmed that Arsenal are getting closer to securing the Spanish midfielder. He also insists that the club are feeling confident about landing his signatures this summer.
Team News and Ticks wrote:
“We’re edging closer to Merino from what I hear. We have ramped up efforts recently and we believe the player has chosen us.
“The only caveat is players will some times say one thing to you and then promise another club the same (this is what United are worried about with Chido)
“But as of now Arsenal feel confident Merino will be ours.”
Real Sociedad are looking at a potential £25 million fee to sanction a transfer for the 28-year-old.
Mikel Merino vs Cádiz (H) – 23/24
pic.twitter.com/bf8pfrrPOZ— SIR AHMED (@midopido21) July 25, 2024
Do you think Arsenal will sign the EURO winner this summer, or will they sign his team mate, Fabian Ruiz?
