Arsenal’s initial bid for the services of Mikel Merino has been turned down by Real Sociedad, but the Gunners’ chief Edu is in Spain to strike a deal.
According to Yon Cuezva, Real Sociedad have turned down Arsenal’s initial offer for the services of Mikel Merino. The Gunners want to reinforce their midfield and have been in formal talks with the Spanish outfit. While the initial offer has been turned down, the pursuit continues.
Merino has not looked back since making the move from Newcastle United to Real Sociedad in the summer of 2018. He has gone from strength to strength with every passing season and has been one of their mainstays in recent seasons. He had an impressive Euro 2024 campaign and played his part in Spain’s triumph.
With his current contract at the Spanish club running out in 12 months, his future has been up in the air. There has been a significant amount of interest in Mikel Merino, and Arsenal are one of the clubs that are quite keen on adding him to their ranks.
Arsenal’s initial bid for Merino rejected
After missing out on the league title last season, Mikel Arteta wants to add more quality in the centre of the park. He is on the lookout for a dependable partner for Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino seems to be a perfect fit for them. While Real Sociedad did make a last-ditch effort to extend his stay at the club, the 28-year-old is not interested in renewal.
Merino seeks a different challenge; he wants to return to England, and Arsenal’s project excites him. Arteta’s team have been working on a potential deal for some time now. They have been in formal talks with the Spanish outfit, who do not really have any options apart from negotiating his departure. They cannot afford to lose him for free in 12 months.
The Gunners had tabled their initial offer on Wednesday, but it has been turned down by Sociedad. Despite the setback, Arsenal continue their pursuit as they have the green light from the player’s end.
Edu leading Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino
David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to complete Merino’s signing as soon as possible. Both parties are in talks and more importantly, sporting director Edu has travelled to Spain to get the deal done.
The Arsenal chief is leading the talks with the Spanish outfit and wants it done as soon as possible. The report suggested that the Gunners might have to sanction a departure either before or after completing the 28-year-old’s signing.
