Arsenal are reportedly pushing to get Mikel Merino to the Emirates, with the Gunners likely to pay close to Real Sociedad’s asking price.
According to El Diario Vasco, Mikel Arteta likes Mikel Merino, and Arsenal are pushing hard to sign the Spanish international in this window. Barcelona are also keen on signing the midfielder, although the Gunners pose a big threat owing to their financial might.
Arsenal want Mikel Merino
Arsenal are in the market to improve their midfield lineup, as Mikel Merino’s name has come up in reports many times in the last few weeks. The 28-year-old has been a star for Spain at the Euros, where he has been largely restricted to a bench role but stepped up to score the winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal were previously interested in his Real Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi. But that move has gone cold in the last few weeks. However, the idea of bringing Merino enticed Mikel Arteta, with the midfielder set to be made available for around €25 million as he enters the final year of his deal.
Arsenal are considered the strongest contenders for his signature, with Arteta looking to convince Merino about a move. He would effectively add to the impressive midfield lineup present at the Emirates and could become a solid short to medium-term partner to Declan Rice.
The pair will face each other in the UEFA Euro 2024 final in Berlin this weekend, although Arteta is hoping to pair them together at the start of the new season. Arsenal is apparently in a stronger position to pay closer to what Real Sociedad want for the midfielder, which could prove problematic for Barcelona.
Barcelona to lose out on Merino?
Barcelona do not have larger financial resources heading into the transfer window, as they might be able to manage only one big signing this summer. They are already keen on Nico Williams but may not have the funds to sign the 28-year-old Real Sociedad man.
They are trying to get a very cheap deal done for the Spanish international, although Arsenal’s ability to pay big may prove problematic for the Catalans in this chase. Hence, the Gunners may have a bigger chance to land the 28-year-old Barcelona midfield target this summer.
