Arsenal have just received good transfer news on the same day they are set to get their Premier League campaign underway.
Mikel Arteta’s full focus will be on Arsenal’s first Premier League clash of the new season against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
However, sporting director Edu will still have one eye on the transfer market.
The Gunners have not been hugely busy so far this summer. Their only first team signings up to this point have been securing David Raya’s services on a permanent basis, following his loan switch from Brentford last season, and the arrival of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
However, Arteta is still keen to bolster his ranks. Arsenal have been linked with many targets, and are especially in need of midfield reinforcements.
Jorginho has shown signs of decline, and Thomas Partey’s injury record makes him impossible to rely upon. As such, more support is needed for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Arsenal have been chasing Mikel Merino for some time now. The Real Sociedad star would be the ideal candidate to boost Arteta’s midfield options at the Emirates Stadium.
However, negotiations with the Spanish club have been bogged down. It was recently reported that Arsenal haven’t met Merino’s asking price. However, the latest news coming from Spain suggests that progress may finally be being made at last.
Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Valencia CF at Reale Arena on May 16, 2024 in Sa…
Arsenal target Mikel Merino out of Real Sociedad squad
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, Merino has been left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano. Romano also stated that Arsenal are “on it,” suggesting that his switch to North London could now be close.
Real Sociedad boss explains Merino absence
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil, as quoted by Eduardo Hagn on X, explained the situation: “Mikel Merino is not in the squad because I decided so. He was ready to help the team. We will see if he will be with us next week or not. There are open negotiations.”
Those open negotiations are almost certainly taking place with the Gunners.
Why Mikel Arteta wants Merino
Like Rice, Merino can play both at the base of the midfield and in the more advanced left-eight role. This versatility would allow him to rotate and interchange with the England star. The Euro 2024 winner also has an existing relationship with Martin Odegaard, who spent a year on loan with Real Sociedad earlier in his career.
The 28-year-old would also offer some experience at Arsenal. On top of that, Merino is an expert duel winner, which will certainly endear him to Arteta further.
Leave a Reply