After failing to sign the 28-year-old midfielder to a new deal, Real Sociedad has accepted that they will not be able to sign Arsenal target Mikel Merino this summer. The winner of Euro 2024 and former Newcastle player Merino has less than a year left on his present contract in the Basque Country and will not be signing a new contract at this time.
A number of elite European teams, such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, are also keen to negotiate a low-cost agreement since the former Magpie will be able to talk about a free move with overseas teams in January. Sociedad regrettably acknowledges that the player’s future is now probably not with the La Liga team, although it is understood that they are looking for at least £25 million to approve his departure.
Arteta sees no problem paying £25m asking price for Spanish midfielder
After Arteta “seduced” the 28-year-old over the phone last month, Arsenal “will focus all of their efforts” on signing Calafiori once the transaction is confirmed. When Calafiori signs, director of football Edu Gaspar is anticipated to “approach the player,” and Merino is believed to cost “around 25–30 million euros” (£21–25 million). Arteta, however, “sees no problem” with Sociedad’s asking price.
According to a report by journalist Matteo Moretto of CaughtOffside, Merino is keen for the La Liga team to secure substantial money this summer, but he will not be signing a new contract with Sociedad. Although Arsenal has contacted and inquired, Barcelona is presently concentrating on Nico Williams. As of right now, Merino has not received any formal bids.
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