Arsenal is currently in discussions with Real Sociedad to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino, who played a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, featured in all seven of the tournament's matches, including scoring a decisive late goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
At 28, Merino has less than a year left on his contract with Real Sociedad, which could work in Arsenal's favor as they try to finalize the deal. If no agreement is reached before January, Merino would be free to negotiate with other clubs for a transfer at the end of the season.
Earlier this week, Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool, choosing to stay with Sociedad after the club successfully convinced him to remain.
Should Merino join Arsenal, the 6ft 2in midfielder would add a significant physical presence to the team, especially in set-piece situations. This summer, Arsenal also bolstered their defense by signing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Merino is known for his ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, and he’s seen as a player who could complement Declan Rice, who often took on a box-to-box role last season. His addition would give Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta more options in midfield, alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent a year at Newcastle before returning to Spain in 2018. He also has experience playing alongside Odegaard, as the two were teammates at Real Sociedad during the 2019-20 season when the Norwegian was on loan from Real Madrid.
Last season, Merino made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals.
Arsenal has been very active in the transfer market this summer, both in terms of new signings and departures. They sold Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in a deal worth up to £34 million and brought in Calafiori for around £42 million.
Meanwhile, the future of striker Eddie Nketiah remains uncertain. Although Marseille showed interest in the 25-year-old, no deal materialized. Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also keeping an eye on Nketiah, but neither has made a formal bid yet.
