Arsenal sent Merino message as Arteta eyes summer move

Cameron Smith

30 Jul 2024 21:30 BST
3 min read

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that he would like Mikel Merino to remain at the club this summer.

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FootballTransfers understands that Merino has agreed personal terms with Arsenal as the Gunners eye a summer move for the Spain international.

Merino impressed at Euro 2024, as Spain emerged victorious, and although he is 28 years old, Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the player and is eager to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Emile Smith Rowe’s imminent move to Fulham has freed up funds for Merino and Arsenal are expected to press ahead in their pursuit of the Real Sociedad star in the coming days.

Despite Arsenal’s interest, Real Sociedad are hopeful that Merino will remain at the club this summer.

What has been said?

Sociedad’s club president Aperribay told Mundo Deportivo: “We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them.

“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Mikel Merino

“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real.

“Whether [it is his release] clause or not, what we think is that the club has to look to the future. Try to be stronger every year or every day,” he continued.

“You don’t have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you that he wants to take advantage of an opportunity.

“I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans, ‘I’m staying’, and then leave.

“I would like him not to leave. If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see.

“We are not negotiating with any club now,” Aperribay concluded.