Arsenal are closing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new season.
Having completed the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna earlier this week, the Gunners have shifted their focus toward making their midfield unit robust. Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, who is understood to have agreed personal terms with the north London club. This is a clear indication that the Spaniard, who won the Euro 2024, wants a move to Arsenal after spending six seasons with Real Sociedad.
The 28-year-old left Newcastle United in 2018 to join Real Sociedad, where he has racked up 242 appearances across all competitions, scoring 27 goals. The 2023/24 was his most productive campaign in the top flight in terms of goals scored (8), as the Basque side qualified for the Europa League group stages.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are on the brink of agreeing a £25m deal with Real Sociedad for Merino. With the Spain international’s contract expiring in 2025, the La Liga side are ready to cash him in now rather than see him walk out on a free transfer.
Mikel Merino in, Thomas Partey out
Arteta has prioritised signing a new central midfielder this summer, as uncertainty surrounds the future of Thomas Partey at the Emirates Stadium. Partey has been linked with an exit from Arsenal since the winter transfer window, and with him now entering the final 12 months of his deal, the club is expected to sell the midfielder before August 30’s transfer deadline.
The Ghana international endured an injury-ravaged last season—a combination of groin and hamstring issues limiting him to just 14 Premier League appearances. As Arsenal are looking to bring in Merino, Partey’s days at the club are numbered.
In terms of injury record and reliability, Merino would be an instant upgrade on Partey. The Pamplona-born star would be a smart option to cover and compete with the likes of Declan Rice, Jorginho and Martin Odegaard for a spot in the middle of the park.
In the prime stages of his career, highly experienced and off the back of a triumphant Euro 2024, Merino at £25m would represent a massive bargain for the Gunners.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
