Arsenal are reportedly set to make an approach for Mikel Merino, with Mikel Arteta looking for a midfielder in the Spanish star’s ilk.
According to Give Me Sport, Arsenal are poised to make an approach for Mikel Merino in the coming days. The Spanish midfielder is leaning towards departing Real Sociedad and does have plenty of suitors, with the Gunners likely to prove an interesting choice for the UEFA Euro 2024 winner.
Arsenal set for Mikel Merino approach
Arsenal are in the market for a new left-sided midfielder to aid their bid to come closer to the Premier League title. They have missed a presence in the middle of the pitch since Granit Xhaka’s departure last summer. And while Mikel Arteta found stop-gap solutions to offset the loss, he might need a permanent solution ahead of the new campaign.
A left-sided midfielder is all Arteta seeks, as Arsenal were expected to chase Mikel Merino since the Euros ended. Real Sociedad are trying all they can to retain him by offering him a new deal, although the 28-year-old is leaning more towards a departure. With a year left on his contract, i is a make-or-break situation for the Spanish side as interest continues to mount.
Real Sociedad want around £25 million for their Spanish international, a price Arsenal might be willing to pay. They are set to initiate talks with Merino’s camp in a bid to get an agreement on personal terms, which could then lead to a concrete approach for his signature.
Merino might prefer Arsenal or Barcelona, as per the latest reporting on his future, with these clubs now considered clear favourites to land his signature. He has reportedly rejected a move to Atletico Madrid, who are still in the hunt, while Barcelona are also thought to be keeping close tabs. However, the £25 million-rated midfielder is not their absolute priority at this stage.
Merino will complete Arsenal’s midfield
Arteta used Declan Rice in a left-eight role in the second half of last season, with Jorginho before and then Thomas Partey sitting in that No.6 role. The Gunners’ boss might see Rice in the holding midfield role for the long term, meaning someone like Merino would help shape the midfield.
Moreover, Arsenal do not need massive surgery on their squad with new signings. So, they are unlikely to make a host of incomings during this window. Therefore, someone like Merino, should he come in, will help with the short to medium-term future of that midfield, as the Gunners have youth players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly already showing plenty of promise for the future.
