Mikel Arteta is reportedly trying to convince 27-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder and Barcelona target Mikel Merino to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Mikel Merino is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The 27-year-old is also a target for Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is trying to convince the Real Sociedad midfielder to join the North London club.
The rise of Mikel Merino at Real Sociedad
Mikel Merino has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga since joining Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in July 2018. The Spaniard has gone from strength to strength in the last half a dozen years after struggling to find a stable footing before returning to his homeland.
The 27-year-old has turned out nearly 250 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with 27 goals and 30 assists. In addition, Merino is a mainstay in the middle of the park for Spain and recently scored his second international goal to take La Roja to the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals, scoring a late winner against Germany.
Meanwhile, Mikel Merino’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Arsenal and Barcelona are the prospective suitors for the Spanish international in the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Arsenal’s interest in Mikel Merino is understandable. The Gunners have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. So, the Real Sociedad midfielder has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta trying to convince him to join the North London club.
Meanwhile, a report by Caught Offside has suggested that Arsenal and Barcelona are tracking Merino’s progress. The Blaugrana failed to fill the void left by the departure of Sergio Busquets last summer, with the Spaniard emerging as a top target.
With Arteta stepping up his efforts to bring the 27-year-old Spanish international to the Emirates, a summer move might be on the cards. However, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can turn Merino’s head amid the stiff competition from Arsenal.
