Arsenal are negotiating with Real Sociedad regarding the potential signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino, a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, participated in all seven matches of the tournament, scoring a decisive late goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
The 28-year-old midfielder has less than a year remaining on his current contract, which could facilitate Arsenal’s pursuit, as he would be eligible to negotiate a free transfer with other clubs starting in January.
Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi recently turned down a move to Liverpool after Sociedad successfully convinced him to remain at the club.
Should Merino join Arsenal, he would add a commanding presence to the team’s set pieces, complementing the recent addition of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, who was signed earlier this summer.
The Spaniard is capable of playing as a deeper-lying midfielder and could pair well with Declan Rice, who took on a ‘box-to-box’ role at times last season. Merino would provide Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with additional competition in the midfield, alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino has prior Premier League experience from his year at Newcastle before his 2018 move to Spain. He also played alongside Odegaard during the 2019-20 season when Odegaard was on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid.
Last season, Merino appeared in 45 matches across all competitions and scored eight goals.
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market this summer, with notable moves including the sale of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for up to £34 million and the acquisition of Calafiori for approximately £42 million.
The future of striker Eddie Nketiah remains uncertain. Marseille expressed interest in the 25-year-old, but no transfer has materialized. Nketiah is also being monitored by Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, though no formal bids have been made.
