Arsenal have been looking to bring Spain midfielder Mikel Merino following his impressive performances for club and country last season.
Arteta eyes Merino to bolster midfield
Mikel Arteta is looking to add depth and quality in the middle of the park this summer. Initially, there were expectations that the Gunners would bring in an athletic midfielder with pace and power to take on the defensive midfield role from Thoams Partey, especially considering how the Ghana international was liked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium complemented by the club extending Jorginho‘s contract.
As everything pointed to a new DM, the club identified Amadou Onana to strengthen their midfield. While he moved to Aston Villa, Arsenal chose to pivot to signing a silky midfielder who can add to the number eight role at N5. In comes Mikel Merino…
Merino possesses the physicality to feature in a robust role while also having the technical elegance to dictate the pace of the game with his strides and passes. Many suggest he is the perfect Arteta midfielder. His experience will add to a young squad as Arsenal look to shoulder Manchester City for a Premier League title once again.
Gunners in pole position for Spanish sensation Mikel Merino
Arsenal entered the deal when Real Sociedad were pushing for the 28-year-old to sign a new contract at Reale Arena, Atletico Madrid were already discussing the basis of a possible transfer with his current employers, and Barcelona were looking to beat the Spanish capital side for a possible deal.
Though, when Arsenal knocks… it’s different…
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and Arsenal are now the frontrunners to sign the midfielder.
With the Gunners leading the race, Sociedad are considering a possible extension of a lost cause and now expect him to move away from the club. Atletico Madrid have now become pessimistic about any probable transfer, and Barcelona have told the player that they have other matters to consider.
Moreover, Merino’s representatives agency, BahiaFutbol, has also started following the club on it’s Instagram handle.
Everything, at the moment, points at Arsenal signing Mikel Merino.
Hopefully the club can conclude a deal as early as possible to give the player time and space to adapt to Arsenal’s playing style.
Physical presence and Spanish education in our midfield. Starting role but not near an important enough player to keep Nwaneri out of rotation. Pivot player, intelligent in pockets, box crasher, definition of an all-phase CM. Perfectly compliments Rice and Odegaard. https://t.co/vFPubZ3K30
— 7 (@7Erzil) July 28, 2024
