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Arsenal ‘very interested in hiring’ Mikel Merino this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 24, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly ‘very interested in hiring’ Real Sociedad ace Mikel Merino this summer, as per the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The Gunners are said to be keen on reinforcing their squad in this transfer window to bridge the gap with Manchester City after being pipped by the Citizens in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.

Mikel Arteta has decided to strengthen the defence first as the North London club are closing in on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

After securing the Italian’s signature, the Spanish boss’ side could look to sign a new midfielder to bolster the engine room as Arteta reportedly also wants new reinforcements in this area. A plethora of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks but Merino is now emerging as a serious option.

While citing and translating the print version of Mundo Deportivo, Sport Witness has reported that Arsenal are ‘very interested in hiring’ Merino this summer and are ‘willing to pay’ a fee of around £25m[€30m] in one go to secure his signature.

Merino to Arsenal

The report says that La Real would be open to accepting the Gunners’ proposal as that is the figure and the payment structure the Spanish side want to sell their star man – who has entered the final year of his current contract.

Merino hasn’t ruled out a move to the Premier League, therefore he could be open to moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are also plotting a swoop for him and additionally, Atletico Madrid and an unnamed Bundesliga side have also expressed their interest in signing him.

But, the Blaugrana are willing to match La Real’s demand in instalments so Arsenal’s proposal would be more appealing to the Basque club should they eventually receive it.

Merino has displayed his qualities in La Liga over the last few years and following that, he also showcased his abilities on the International stage for Spain, helping his country win the recently concluded European Championship.

Therefore, he would be a great coup for Arsenal if they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to sign him to reinforce the engine room.