Arsenal’s primary transfer target Mikel Merino has been left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguaci has stated, “I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs and this is the best solution now”. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old and talks are progressing with Real Sociedad over a suitable fee for the Spaniard. Arsenal will reportedly have to pay over €25.million to acquire his services. Merino recently lifted the European Championship with Spain.
🚨🔵⚪️ Mikel Merino, OUT of Real Sociedad squad for their opening La Liga game.
Arsenal, on it 🔴⚪️⏳ #AFC pic.twitter.com/StGgQJ1R8G
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2024
Arteta’s ideal midfield trio
Mikel Arteta wants a third midfielder to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard and sees Merino as the ideal player for the team. With just a single year remaining on Merino’s contract, Real Sociedad want to cash in on the midfielder with the player having rejected a contract extension by the Basque club.
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.
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The midfielder has gone on to make 241 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 27 goals and assisting a further 26. Following some strong performances in the European Championship, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also showed interest in signing Merino but the midfielder informed them of his decision to join Arsenal.
Merino – an ideal box-to-box midfielder
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 Odegaard’s style of play, with the captain being more of a playmaker.
While Merino will miss Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Spaniard may be available for the Gunners’ next fixture. Negotiations are at the final stage with minor adjustments to the payment terms and the structure of the deal.
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🚨🚨🚨OFFICIAL
MERINO NOT CALLED UP BY SOCIEDAD FOR THEIR LA LIGA OPENER pic.twitter.com/xPPLpMvd5q
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) August 17, 2024
