Arsenal are in talks with Real Sociedad about signing Spain midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino was part of the Spaanish team that won Euro 2024 and featured in all seven matches in the tournament, scoring a late winner against Germany in the quarter-final. The 28-year-old has less than one year remaining on his contract, which may help Arsenal to complete a deal, as he would be able to speak to clubs about signing on a free transfer in January.
If Merino joins Arsenal, the 6ft 2in tall central midfielder would be another imposing presence at set pieces for the Gunners, who signed Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori earlier this summer. The Spaniard can operate as a deeper-lying midfielder, and it is thought he would complement Declan Rice, who played a “box-to-box” role at times last season. He would also provide Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with another option to compete with Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the pitch.
Merino has previous experience of the Premier League, having spent a year at Newcastle before moving to Spain in 2018. He also played alongside Odegaard in 2019-20 when the Norwegian was on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid. Merino made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals.
Arsenal have been active in this transfer market with both incomings and outgoings, selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in a deal that could rise to £34m and signing Calafiori for a fee in the region of £42m. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield and add Merino to his squad this summer after he impressed for Spain at Euro 2024. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are confident of a positive resolution, and sporting director Edu has been in Spain this week as he tries to finalize a deal. It is reported that Merino is keen to join the club and play under Arteta, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
Sociedad are resigned to the potential of losing Merino, who has made over 200 appearances for the club since arriving from Newcastle six years ago. He has less than 12 months on his contract, and his representatives have made it clear he would like to join Arsenal, despite being offered a new deal.
Arsenal have failed to win the EPL trophy in the past 20 years, having come close to winning it in the 2023/2024 campaign, where they were denied by their rival Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta is hoping to make a difference in the 2024/2025 season by boosting their squad depth to increase their chances of winning the EPL trophy. The fans are demanding a prolific striker, but Arsenal seems to have hope in keeping Gabriel Jesus and Havertz in the front. But the big question is, “Can Arsenal do it without a striker?” Well, time shall tell.
