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Arsenal target Mikel Merino attracted to join this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 23, 2024

Arsenal target and Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino is reportedly attracted to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, as per the Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to reinforce their engine room by purchasing a new midfielder in this transfer window. Numerous names were mentioned as serious targets with Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana and Bruno Guimaraes being among them.

However, while Luiz has joined Juventus, Onana has signed for Aston Villa. Additionally, purchasing Guimaraes is seemingly almost impossible as Newcastle United don’t want to let the former Olympique Lyonnais star leave the club.

Therefore, the North London club have decided to explore alternative options with Merino now emerging as a key target in recent days. According to the report by El Diario Vasco, Arsenal have already presented their proposal to the Spaniard and he has been attracted by the offer.

Merino has been impressed by Arsenal’s project and their financial offer. Therefore, the report says that although Atletico Madrid have also expressed their interest in signing him, he has decided to turn down the prospect of moving to the Spanish Capital in favour of joining Mikel Arteta’s side.

Merino to Arsenal

However, the Spanish outlet states that despite Merino’s desire, Los Rojiblancos haven’t given up on their hopes of signing him and are ready to do everything possible to secure his signature. Therefore, Arsenal will have to overcome stiff competition from Diego Simeone’s side to get any potential deal done for him.

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract and has decided not to sign an extension with the Basque club. Therefore, they are said to be open to cashing-in on him to recoup some transfer fee and are prepared to accept a fee of around £26m.

The midfielder has been a talismanic figure for Real Sociedad over the last few years and he has also showcased his qualities in the recently concluded European Championship, helping Spain win the competition.

Merino is a talented player and possesses the necessary qualities to play in Arteta’s system. So, he would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they eventually manage to secure his signature in this transfer window.