Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, and following the conclusion of EURO 2024, the Gunners are set to fortify their efforts to land the 28-year-old maestro this summer window.
Mikel Arteta has been looking to add quality and depth to the midfield, and he has reportedly identified Mikel Merino as a key target who can be a perfect fit for the number eight role at the Emirates Stadium. Thomas Partey, who was linked with a move away from N5 going into the off-season, appears set to be staying at London Colony for another season as he reads to jet off to the US for the pre-season. Given this, Arsenal’s interest in securing a number eight makes more sense.
Arsenal chase Mikel Merino to complement Odegaard’s playmaking
With Gunners premier target Martín Zubimendi set to stay at Sociedad, they have moved on to his teammate, who has enjoyed an equal number of successful outings at Reale Arena. He has scored eight goals and provided five assists in the recently concluded campaign for Sociedad.
As Arsenal are looking to add a technical option to support, 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.
Watts on the Wire
Journalist Charles Watts has now given his take on the current situation of the Gunners pursuit for the Euro 2024 winner. He insists that Real Sociedad is aware of Arsenal’s interest, along with other clubs that are vying for his signatures. The 28-year-old enters the final year of his contract with the current employers, and hence he could. be available for an attractive price.
Charles Watts shared: “Arsenal is interested in midfielder Mikel Merino at Real Sociedad. As far as I’m aware, however, no bid has been made, although now that the Euros are done and dusted, it could be one the club looks to press on with at pace.
“Sources in Spain tell me that Sociedad are aware of Arsenal’s interest, but that there are also other clubs in the mix for Merino, given that he is set to be available at quite a nice price given that he only has a year left on his contract.
“The Spain international has just turned 28, so he is a bit older than the usual profile that Arsenal go for under Mikel Arteta and Edu, but he’s got a lot of the attributes they are looking for in a new midfielder this summer.”
In a bid to persuade the 28-year-old, the Gunners are also willing to offer a ‘contract of a lifetime’ as Arsenal take up the favorite spot to land his signatures this summer.
However, before making a move for Merino, the Gunners will look to off-load some players. Emile Smith Rowe has already established links with a move to Fulham, while Marseille have made Eddie Nketiah their prime target this summer.
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