Arsenal are advancing in their pursuit of Mikel Merino despite some reported delays and Barcelona’s interest in the midfielder.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal continue to advance in their pursuit of Mikel Merino despite some stories claiming a few hiccups in completing the deal. The move is far ahead than expected despite a bit of an impasse, as the Spaniard seems destined to join Mikel Arteta’s side soon enough.
Arsenal closes in on Mikel Merino
Talk of Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder has cooled down, and that is because they may have already narrowed down on their preferred target in Mike Merino. Much like the Riccardo Calafiori deal, the Gunners are not rushing through the transfer, as they want to pay the right price for a player into the final year of his contract at Real Sociedad.
The impasse has resulted in some doubts creeping in about the transfer, although Arsenal are advancing in the background. Talks are underway with Real Sociedad over the fee and structure of the deal, with suggestions that a €30 million cost would be enough.
There are plenty of details to sort out, as Arsenal might be looking to pay less in terms of fixed fees and more in variables. Either way, there is a feeling the 28-year-old may want to join them over other interested parties, having reportedly rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid, who have since moved on to Conor Gallagher from Chelsea to fill that midfield position.
Arsenal are reportedly moving along fine in their quest to sign Merino and are expected to find an agreement with Real Sociedad soon. He will come into the side in the left-eight position, something Arteta needs and will be seen as a direct replacement for Granit Xhaka, who left last summer.
Barcelona still interested
Barcelona are having a strange window where they were expected to bring Nico Williams earlier but have resorted to signing Dani Olmo on priority. They are still in need of a midfielder, and some reports suggested Merino might still be open to joining them.
However, the finances involved in the deal might make it difficult for them to bring Merino and Williams this summer, especially after the Olmo deal. Hence, Arsenal are the favourites, with Arteta a big part of why the 28-year-old Barcelona target wants to come to the Emirates.
