EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal initiate Merino talks as Arteta eyes €25m deal

Steve Kay

Updated: 12 Jul 2024 20:54 BST
3 min read

Arsenal have initiated talks with Mikel Merino’s representatives as they eye a €25 million deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder, FootballTransfers understands.

Article continues under the video

We have been told that Merino is open to joining the Gunners, while he has already informed Real Sociedad of his desire to leave the club this summer.

Arsenal are only willing to pay €25m for Merino as things stand, but his contract is due to expire in 2025 and with the player pushing for an exit, Real Sociead may be forced to sell.

FootballTransfers has been informed that Merino’s name first came into conversation during Arsenal’s talks to sign his Real Sociedad and Spain team-mate Martin Zubimendi.

A move for Zubimendi now appears unlikely, but Merino could join the north London side before the 2024 summer transfer window closes.

In-person discussions with Merino are yet to take place due to his participation at Euro 2024, but Arsenal are seriously considering the possibility of signing the Spain international.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd and Bayern Munich target Dani Olmo move

Mikel Merino to join Arsenal?

While Arteta is a huge admirer of Merino, the move will depend on Real Sociedad’s asking price and whether they are prepared to sell him for €25m.

The 28-year-old scored seven goals and provided four assists in 39 appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League last campaign.

Meanwhile, the former Newcastle United midfielder has only missed 13 games due to injury over the past five seasons, which is seen as a major positive by the Gunners.

Another positive for Arsenal is their strong working relationship with Real Sociedad. Players such as Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal have moved between the clubs in recent years, which could help in their pursuit of Merino.

David Raya is the only player to have joined Arsenal so far this summer, with the Gunners signing him on a permanent deal from Brentford.

Read more about: La Liga, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Merino