Arsenal are reportedly pushing to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old is currently on international duty with Spain at the 2024 UEFA Euros and scored the winner against Germany in the quarterfinals. With just a single year remaining on Merino’s contract, Real Sociedad reportedly want to cash in on the midfielder, with a contract extension looking unlikely at this point.
Merino on the Move?
Merino, an academy graduate of Osasuna, made 63 appearances for their senior team in the Segunda Division. The Spaniard also had short stints at Borussia Dortmund and Premier League rivals Newcastle United before signing for Real Sociedad on a permanent deal in 2018.
The midfielder has gone on to make 241 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 27 goals and assisting a further 26. With just a year left on Merino’s contract, Arsenal are looking to sign him for a fee in the region of £20 million. A deal is still a long way from being completed, with Real Sociedad demanding at least £30 million for the services of one of their star players. Barcelona are also said to be showing interest in the 28-year-old but are unlikely to be able to afford him.
Box-to-Box Boost? Arsenal target Merino as Arteta shapes Midfield
Arsenal were initially interested in his teammate Martin Zubimendi, but that move looks unlikely as of now. Mikel Arteta is reportedly doing everything in his power to convince Merino to join him in North London. Arteta also has to persuade the board to greenlight the signing, given the Gunners’ recent policy of signing younger players.
Merino fits the profile Arteta wants in his midfielders. The Spaniard is a goal-scoring midfielder who loves making runs into the opposition box. He averages 2.89 touches in the opposition box, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to other midfielders in the big five leagues. Merino’s runs would complement Martin Odegaard’s style of play, with the captain being more of a playmaker.
The Gunners are likely to push for a move once the Euros are over, with the midfielder likely to take a decision on his future then. Merino will be facing Declan Rice in the tournament finale, and Arteta will be hoping that the two will be playing on the same side next season.
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