August 22nd 2024.
It seems that Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been in intense discussions over the potential transfer of Mikel Merino. The Gunners are making significant strides towards securing the signing of the Real Sociedad star, following a productive meeting on Wednesday. As the transfer window deadline looms, Arsenal is eager to finalize the deal for Merino, with only Riccardo Calafiori currently added to their summer roster.
Merino is highly regarded as one of the best midfielders in La Liga, and his impressive performance as a substitute during Spain's successful Euro 2020 campaign has only added to his value. Despite an initial offer of around €25 million from Arsenal being rejected by Sociedad, it seems that the Spanish club is holding out for a bid closer to the range of £30-35 million for their prized possession.
According to reports from Mail Sport, Arsenal's sporting director Edu has traveled to Spain in an effort to hasten the negotiations. It is believed that the Premier League giants are now on the verge of reaching a final agreement with Sociedad. In a strategic move, Sociedad did not include Merino in their first La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, which unfortunately ended in defeat. However, their head coach Imanol Alguacil has insisted that the Spanish international is still a part of their team.
Merino is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent a year with Newcastle. Arsenal is confident that the Euro 2024 winner possesses the qualities that manager Mikel Arteta is looking for in the midfield. With just one year remaining on Merino's contract, Sociedad is now facing a tough decision of whether to sell him now or risk losing him for free next summer.
Speaking to a Spanish radio station, Sociedad's president Jokin Aperribay emphasized that the club will not be pressured into agreeing to a deal with Arsenal for Merino. He revealed that Merino had made it clear that he did not want to renew his contract and then leave, and the club was aware of his intentions. However, he also mentioned that the team will consider a good offer from Arsenal and act in the best interest of the club.
In addition to Merino, Arsenal has also shown interest in signing his fellow countryman, Joan Garcia, who could potentially replace Aaron Ramsdale. Recent reports claim that Arsenal has already reached a personal agreement with the Espanyol goalkeeper, while Wolves are pursuing a loan deal for Ramsdale. Meanwhile, there are talks of Eddie Nketiah moving to Nottingham Forest, but Arsenal is holding out for an offer of £30 million, after rejecting an initial bid of £25 million from a Premier League rival.
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