Arsenal get POSITIVE Merino update – but warning over transfer U-turn issued

Robin Bairner

5 Aug 2024 02:58 CDT
4 min read

Mikel Merino, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Mikel Merino’s transfer to Arsenal is “moving in the right direction”, the Premier League side have been told, but there are some concerns within the club regarding one aspect of the player.

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Arsenal have been chasing the Spain Euro 2024 star for several weeks, yet they have been unable to get a deal over the line, despite coming apparently close to a move.

Nevertheless, Matteo Moretto, writing for CaughtOffside, claims that the transfer for the Real Sociedad star is progressing smoothly.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Current ETV

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€15.9M - €26.5M

“Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has given his approval for a move to Arsenal, they have the green light for him, and now it is up to the two clubs to resolve the details of the transfer. That includes sorting out how much of the fee is fixed, and how much Arsenal would pay in bonuses,” he said.

“Negotiations between Real Sociedad and Arsenal are ongoing though, no change there. Real Sociedad are not optimistic about a contract renewal either, and their president Jokin Aperribay admitted their offer had been on the table for a year earlier this week.”

Arsenal’s private concerns over Merino

Arsenal are not unanimous in moving for Merino, Football.London claims, while others believe he is capable of helping the Gunners close what they believe to be a “miniscule” gap to Manchester City.

“There are a group of decision-makers within the club who are huge fans of Merino. With his phenomenal duel-winning ability, he's viewed as someone who can provide competition for Rice,” it is claimed.

“At 28 years of age, Merino is also seen as the kind of ready-made signing who can come in and help Arsenal win the Premier League straight away. Club analysis of last season has shown that the gap to Manchester City is minuscule, and there is a feeling that, if the Gunners can spread the minutes around their squad more effectively, then they should be able to catch Pep Guardiola's side this time.”

On the other hand, the player’s age is a source of concern for some who have “reservations” over the deal.

“Arsenal have generally tended to buy at the younger end of the spectrum throughout their current project to help build for the future. As previously mentioned, the Real Sociedad man is a signing for the here and now,” Football.London states.

Merino still looks likely to sign for Arsenal, following Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya to become the Gunners’ third permanent signing of the summer.