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Arsenal keen on signing Mikel Merino this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on June 24, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino this summer, as per the Spanish outlet Sport.

It is an open secret that the Gunners are prioritising signing a new midfielder ahead of next season. They have been linked with a few names over the last few weeks with Amadou Onana, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi being among them, but Merino is now emerging as a serious option.

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract and is unlikely to renew his deal with the Spanish giants. So, Imanol Alguacil’s side are reportedly ready to let him go this summer in fear of losing him for free next year.

While citing and translating the print version of Sport, Sport Witness has reported that Arsenal have registered their interest in signing him with Mikel Arteta pushing his side to get the deal done.

The report further claims that Arteta desperately wants to sign the midfielder and has already called him to persuade him to join with Merino ‘seduced’ by the prospect of moving to the Emirates Stadium.

Merino to Arsenal

The Spanish outlet also says that Real Sociedad are ready to let their star man leave for a fee of around £21m so the North London club can manage to secure his signature for an affordable price.

Merino is predominantly a box-to-box player so Arteta might be thinking about using Declan Rice as the holding midfielder permanently. So, a midfield trio of Rice, Merino and Martin Odegaard would be a mouth-watering prospect for the North Londoners.

Merino is a dynamic midfielder and additionally, he is strong, technically sound, good in the air, can play out against high-pressing teams, works extremely hard without possession and also is efficient going forward.

Although the Real Sociedad star might not be the most flashy option, he is an excellent player and could be a perfect option to play in Arteta’s system.

He previously had a spell with Newcastle United so he knows about the Premier League. Therefore, the Spain international could be an excellent acquisition for Arsenal if they purchase him this summer.