HERE WE GO: £30M midfielder has finally agreed to lower His salary to join Arteta side Arsenal,He is set to be Arteta second summer signing – medical team on standby to welcome Him
Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has intensified, with reports indicating that manager Mikel Arteta is eager to secure the Spanish international for approximately £21 million during this summer’s transfer window. Merino, who began his football journey in Osasuna’s youth academy, has garnered attention for his standout performances both domestically and internationally, making him a prime target for Arteta’s midfield reinforcement strategy.
Merino’s career trajectory includes a notable stint at Borussia Dortmund following a £3.5 million transfer in 2016. Despite a challenging tenure with limited appearances, he found success during a loan spell at Newcastle United in 2017, which later turned into a permanent move worth around £6 million. His subsequent move to Real Sociedad proved pivotal, allowing him to flourish over the past six years, accumulating 242 appearances and establishing himself as a linchpin in the team’s midfield setup.
His outstanding form at Real Sociedad also translated to international recognition, earning him a spot in the Spanish national team. Since his debut in September 2020, Merino has amassed 23 caps, including notable appearances in Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Italy, highlighting his growing influence on the international stage.
Despite interest from other European clubs, including Manchester United and reportedly Barcelona, Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner for Merino’s signature. The Gunners’ proactive approach, spearheaded by Arteta’s direct engagement with the player, has resonated well with Merino, who is reportedly intrigued by the prospect of returning to the Premier League under Arteta’s guidance.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino also underscores strategic planning amid potential changes within their midfield ranks. The club is reportedly open to offloading Thomas Partey, whose contract expires in 2025, possibly to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year. This financial maneuverability, combined with Merino’s availability for a reasonable £21 million fee, positions Arsenal favorably in negotiations with Real Sociedad.
In addition to Merino, Arsenal’s interest extends to other Spanish talents such as Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, showcasing Arteta’s broader ambition to reinforce the squad ahead of the upcoming season. The potential acquisition of Merino would not only bolster Arsenal’s midfield depth but also inject proven quality and experience, aligning with Arteta’s vision to elevate the team’s competitiveness both domestically and in European competitions.
As negotiations progress, the coming weeks will provide clarity on whether Arsenal can successfully secure Merino’s services and how his potential arrival could reshape the dynamics within the squad. Arteta’s proactive recruitment strategy suggests a concerted effort to address key areas of improvement, aiming to position Arsenal as genuine contenders in the Premier League and beyond.
