Arsenal target also played an important role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success.
Arsenal are now taking a backstep in the pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. La Liga club wants to keep him for the upcoming season and they are not in the mood to sell Merino.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay admits that the Serie A side is determined to keep hold of Mikel Merino this summer despite strong interest from Arsenal.
The North London club are looking to boost the squad ahead of the new season. They recently signed David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
The 28-year-old had an excellent season with the La Liga club, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. He helped the club secure a Europa League spot for the 2024-25 season.
Merino also played an important role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, scoring a dramatic last-minute winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
While having an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Sociedad president Aperribay admitted that Real Sociedad are determined to keep hold of their in-demand midfielder.
Talking to the Spanish newspaper, Aperribay admitted: “I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ – and then leave.
“I would like him not to leave. If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now.”
“We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay.”
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