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Arsenal plot swoop to sign Mikel Merino this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 11, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino this summer, as per the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners are said to be keen on signing a new midfielder in this transfer window to reinforce their engine room. A plethora of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks with Amadou Onana, Martin Zubimendi and Joao Neves being among them. But, it appears the Real Sociedad star is also on their wish-list.

The Spaniard has entered the final year of his current contract and hasn’t signed an extension with the Basque club yet. So, Arsenal could manage to get a deal done for him in a cut-price deal ahead of next season.

Now, writing on Caught Offside, Romano has reported that Arsenal have been monitoring Merino’s displays over the last few months and having been impressed by his performances, they have expressed their intentions of securing his signature.

The journalist further claims that Arsenal feel Merino would be a good market opportunity due to his current contract situation so they could make a swoop this summer.

Merino to Arsenal

However, Romano states that Barcelona are also keen on signing him and they might attempt to secure his signature to strengthen the midfield department. Therefore, Arsenal will have to beat the Blaugrana in this race to broker this deal.

Romano wrote:

“Mikel Merino – The Spain midfielder is on the list at Barcelona for sure, appreciated by the board; Arsenal have also been tracking him as he’s considered a good market opportunity with one year left on his contract, while Mikel Arteta also follows Real Sociedad regularly. Let’s see what happens, it’s still early for this one with all options open.”

It has previously been reported that Real Sociedad would be open to cashing-in on Merino to recoup some transfer fee and may accept a fee of around £21m.

Merino is a technically gifted player and has established himself as one of the key players for Real Sociedad over the last few years. In addition, he has secured his place in Spain national team and helped his country beat Germany in the European Championship quarter-final by scoring a late goal in the extra time.

So, the 28-year-old would be an excellent acquisition for the North London club should they eventually manage to purchase him in this transfer window to reinforce their engine room.