LATEST UPDATE✅: Arsenal Set To Submit £60M Bid For Real Madrid Star After Spanish Club Highjacked The Mikel Merino Deal

Mikel Merino has emerged as Arsenal’s latest target, but Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is encountering a challenge in finalizing the deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.

 

Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino has hit a snag after Real Sociedad made a late attempt to retain the player. The Gunners seemed poised to sign Merino, who won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, with his release set at £25 million as he approaches the end of his contract. This has made him an appealing option for Arteta, who has already added Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya to his squad. Despite Declan Rice’s standout performances last season, Arteta still considers strengthening the midfield a priority.

 

However, Arteta may face more difficulties in securing Merino than initially anticipated. It’s not another club that’s competing for Merino, but rather Sociedad is making a concerted effort to keep him in Spain.

 

Reports from Noticias de Gipuzkoa indicate that Sociedad is grappling with the potential departures of both Merino and Martin Zubimendi. With supporters growing concerned, Sociedad officials are doing everything possible to retain at least one of the two players, including making a significant financial offer. Jokin Aperribay, the club president, has returned from vacation to address the situation and explore solutions. Merino has expressed a strong interest in moving to Arsenal.

 

Despite Sociedad’s efforts to make Merino the highest-paid player at the club, their offer falls short compared to what he could earn at Arsenal. Nevertheless, Merino’s transfer to the Emirates is still expected to proceed. Arteta will likely be relieved by this development, as he has acknowledged the need for further improvements before the season begins.

 

After Arsenal’s tour of the United States, Arteta remarked, “We’re in good shape. We played some competitive matches and have talented players pushing to earn their place. However, we can improve, particularly in converting chances into goals.”

 

While Merino’s move seems imminent, Arteta continues to search for a striker to address a critical need in the squad. Arsenal is set to allow Eddie Nketiah’s loan move to Marseille, which will include an obligation to purchase. If Nketiah leaves as planned, Arsenal will need to find a replacement, ideally a prolific goalscorer, to help end their long title drought.

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