Arsenal's Merino plans THREATENED by West Ham

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Aug 2024 15:23 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are thought to be on the verge of sealing the signing of Mikel Merino, but the deal could yet hit a minor stumbling block.

The Gunners have been in talks with Real Sociedad for the Spain star for weeks. Personal terms were quickly agreed, as revealed by FootballTransfers, but negotiations between the clubs took some time.

Arsenal preferred to explore a move for Merino via informal talks rather than by lodging formal offers but after a recent trip to Spain by sporting director Edu, the north London side are now close to signing their top midfield target.

READ MORE: Ramsdale suffers setback as bid launched for €6m keeper

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the deal could is expected to go through this week. However, West Ham could yet pose a minor threat to the transfer as they are now targeting Real Sociedad's number-one replacement for Merino.

Compared

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

VS

Carlos Soler

M (C)

PSG

Carlos Soler

M (C)

PSG

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

45	Appearances	28
8	Goals	2
6	Assists	4
36	Key Passes	24

West Ham want Soler

Basically ever since Arsenal began talks with Erreala over Merino, the Basque side have been linked with a move for PSG outcast Carlos Soler, who has struggled for minutes at the Parc des Princes despite his impressive versatility.

The central midfielder is considered Real Sociedad's top target to replace Merino and talks have been ongoing for some time, with PSG open to offloading the Spaniard.

READ MORE: Arsenal Transfer News Today - Ramsdale BLOW, Gyokeres BOOST, Toney RECOMMENDED

Now, however, Sky Sports reports that West Ham have begun negotiations with PSG over a move for the 27-year-old. The Hammers have been exceptionally busy this summer, but that didn't help them as they were beaten 2-1 on opening day by Aston Villa.

It is not yet clear how close the east London side are to striking a deal for Soler or whether the former Valencia man would prefer a return to Spain. He still has three years to run on his PSG deal. Real Sociedad missing out on him could potentially delay Merino's Arsenals switch.