Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta have discussed joining each other at the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window. Currently serving with the Spanish national team for Euro 2024, Merino appears to be drawing a lot of interest this summer from elite teams, with Arsenal and Barcelona emerging as his main suitors.
According to Sport, Arteta has contacted Merino directly to discuss a possible move to Arsenal, and the report describes the Gunners manager as having seduced the player into choosing the Emirates over the Nou Camp. Reports from Spain say that Merino does not want to sign a new contract with Real Sociedad and that a move is therefore very likely, with €25million (£21m) the suggested fee.
Arsenal leads to sign Real Sociedad star midfielder
Amadou Onana of Everton and Merino, who is now representing Spain at Euro 2024, are considered to be major targets for Barcelona. However, Barca are concerned that Arteta would sign Merino before them, according to a Mundo Deportivo report. Premier League player Merino, 28, was a member of Newcastle United until permanently joining Sociedad in 2018.
A few seasons ago, Merino’s manager in Spain, Imanol Alguacil, proclaimed the midfielder to be “the best player in La Liga.” Merino is primarily a number six, but he can play a variety of positions in the center, which makes him a potential ideal signing for Arteta. Although Merino and Arsenal haven’t been mentioned in the English press, the signing would make a lot of sense.
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