Arsenal are set to accelerate their efforts to bring in Mikel Merino, and as there’s confidence in the background, they can land the midfielder.
According to 90 Min, Arsenal are set to cement their pursuit of Mikel Merino as they have identified him as their preferred midfield target. The Gunners do face competition from a few La Liga sides but are growing in confidence about landing the midfielder who is poised to leave Real Sociedad this summer.
Barcelona are keen on signing the experienced La Liga midfielder as well, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Arsenal to accelerate Mikel Merino’s chase
Arsenal are beginning to push through their ideas in the transfer market, and could be ready to accelerate the pursuit of their next target. The Gunners have already agreed to a move for defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is due for a medical in London, and then join the rest of the group on their US tour.
Once they wrap up the Italian’s signature, Arsenal are expected to focus on bringing in a midfielder, with at least two options being sounded out. Both of them are Spanish internationals, part of the squad that lifted the Euro 2024, with Mikel Merino as their preferred target in that regard.
Bryan Ruiz is also a target for Arsenal, but it does appear they are likely to prioritise a move for Merino. The 28-year-old Euro 2024 winner fits the profile that Arteta seeks to come into that left-eight role. The Gunners are set to approach the Spanish international as they are growing in confidence about bringing him to the Emirates.
Real Sociedad are keen to keep him, but the midfielder is leaning towards leaving the club this summer for a new challenge. A €25 million price point is being mooted as Arsenal are set to accelerate their pursuit of the 28-year-old midfielder as Mikel Arteta continues to change the shape of his left-hand side.
Merino’s signing will improve Arsenal
Last season, Arteta struggled to have a partnership on the left-hand side of his team, as he constantly changed his left-back, midfielder and winger on that side. The departure of Granit Xhaka has somewhat affected their ball progression in that area, something Declan Rice could solve to an extent following his switch to that left-eight role in the second half of the season.
Merino brings plenty to the table with his ball progression and duel-winning ability, something Arteta would like to add to his squad this summer. While Calafiori will likely become their new left-back, Merino and potentially a new winger or Gabriel Martinelli will be aiming to form a solid partnership and bring stability on the left-hand side of the pitch.
