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 manager, Mikel Arteta, appears to have successfully persuaded Real Sociedad’s midfielder, Mikel Merino, to consider a move to the Gunners, with a potential transfer fee of approximately £21 million being reported for this summer.
Merino’s career began at Osasuna before he was acquired by Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for around £3.5 million. His tenure at Dortmund was brief, with only nine appearances, leading to a season-long loan to Newcastle United in July 2017. Newcastle made the move permanent for about £6 million, but Merino’s time at the club was short-lived. He was transferred to Real Sociedad just 11 days later for a slight profit.
At Newcastle, Merino quickly became a fan favorite at St. James’ Park. Over six years at Real Sociedad, the now 28-year-old midfielder has developed significantly, amassing 242 appearances for the Spanish club. His impressive performances have also earned him a spot on the Spanish national team, with his debut in September 2020, and participation in the Summer Olympics in 2021. Merino has since earned 23 caps for Spain and played in both of Spain’s Euro 2024 matches, featuring as a substitute against Croatia and Italy.
Despite interest from Manchester United, who were linked with Merino in March, Arsenal is reportedly in a strong position to secure his services. Spanish media, via Sport Witness, suggest that Barcelona is also interested, but Arsenal leads the race due to their proactive approach.
Merino’s contract with Real Sociedad is set to expire next year, and his hesitation to extend it has led to speculation about a transfer valued at around €25 million (£21.1 million). Arteta’s involvement is pivotal, as he has personally reached out to Merino to outline his ambitious plans for the midfielder at Arsenal, which has swayed Merino towards a potential move to the Premier League.
The proposed £21.1 million deal is deemed manageable for Arsenal and might imply the departure of Thomas Partey this summer. Partey, whose contract ends in 2025, has struggled with injuries, prompting Arsenal to consider offers to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year. There is significant interest from clubs in the Middle East, with a move to Saudi Arabia appearing likely.
Moreover, Arsenal is reportedly interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has attracted Arteta’s attention as another potential summer signing.
