Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino as early as next week.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for too long and as the transfer window reaches its crucial period, the club and the player are looking to get the transfer over the line. The player is said to be keen on the move to North London and both parties are working tirelessly to seal the transfer as soon as possible.
Arsenal eyeing £19 million deal for Mikel Merino
The fans will be waiting to see Merino boarding the flight to England. But, they have to wait a little longer since the senior player is still in Spain.
Sociedad’s official X account recently posted a video of the player training with his teammates. Although, it might look like it’s business as usual for Merino, Arsenal are trying to negotiate a transfer fee with the La Liga counterparts.
💪 Seguimos trabajando en Zubieta pic.twitter.com/0BKTuObiSH
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) August 10, 2024
The Gunners are negotiating the transfer for a possible £19 million, however, La Real are demanding more. The good relations between both the sides make the deal a smooth one to complete and the North Londoners are expected to get it over the line as early as the upcoming week.
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🚨 BREAKING from @Teamnewsandtix:
Mikel Merino to Arsenal will be “done” next week. pic.twitter.com/FMwXnoye6F
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) August 9, 2024
The senior star player has been left out of his club’s final preseason game and that is a clear indication that something is cooking behind the scenes. The fans want to see their dream target wear the famous Red shirt next week.
WHAT DOES MIKEL MERINO BRING TO THE TABLE FOR ARSENAL AND MIKEL ARTETA?
Merino had an impressive Euros 2024 campaign with Spain. He looks in great shape and can spend his prime years at the Emirates Stadium. He looks like a complete midfielder and can play either as a No.8 like Martin Ødegaard or stay back and help defensively like a No.6.
This will provide Arteta with move tactical options. Declan Rice will get the chance to contribute more in attack and its no secret that he loves moving forward.
Merino can control the tempo of the game and make it easier for the team to focus on progressive passes to the final third.
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Surprisingly, the Spaniard has the experience of playing alongside current Arsenal captain Ødegaard and both players helped Sociedad lift the Copa Del Rey in 2020.
His experience is a much-needed one for the Gunners as they aim to improve on last season’s runner-up position. Arsenal need to be perfect to dethrone Manchester City and Merino might be the final puzzle of this challenging jigsaw.
