Arsenal are negotiating with Real Sociedad for the transfer of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.
Merino, who played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory by featuring in all seven matches and scoring a decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, has less than a year remaining on his contract.
This situation could facilitate Arsenal’s efforts to secure his transfer, as Merino would be eligible to negotiate a free transfer in January.
Merino’s teammate, Martin Zubimendi, recently declined a move to Liverpool after Real Sociedad successfully persuaded him to stay.
Should Merino join Arsenal, the 6’2″ central midfielder would add a significant presence during set pieces. This summer, Arsenal also signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Known for his ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, Merino is expected to complement Declan Rice, who occasionally played a box-to-box role last season.
Merino would offer Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta additional options in midfield, competing with Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino has prior Premier League experience from his time at Newcastle before moving to Spain in 2018.
He also played alongside Odegaard during the Norwegian’s loan spell at Real Sociedad in the 2019-20 season. Last season, Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals.
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market, selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in a deal potentially worth £34 million and signing Calafiori for approximately £42 million.
The future of striker Eddie Nketiah remains uncertain, with interest from Marseille, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace, although no bids have been made.
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