Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino looks set to be unavailable for the Spanish side’s opening game of the La Liga season.
Arsenal are keen on Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino with Mikel Arteta’s side keen on recruiting another midfielder for his team with Thomas Partey becoming unreliable for the North London club and the Spanish boss has settled on Merino.
Liverpool’s failed chase for Martin Zubimendi could help Arsenal to land Merino with Sociedad willing to allow the former Newcastle United midfielder to leave the club.
Mikel Arteta wanted a deal done for Merino by this weekend as the Premier League kicks off with the Gunners taking on Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Merino unlikely to play for Real Sociedad this weekend
According to Spanish reports, Merino is ‘unlikely’ to be a part of Real Sociedad’s squad for the clash with Rayo Vallecano this weekend, with him determined to sign for Arsenal.
That’s according to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, who reports that while the resolution to Arsenal’s drawn-out pursuit of the midfielder is taking longer than everyone would like, he’s likely to find himself on the sidelines.
The report claims that Merino has made it clear that a move to North London is what he wants this summer and Sociedad are becoming used to the idea that he will no longer be at the San Sebastian.
Talks between Arsenal and Real Sociedad are reportedly continuing, with the Spanish side looking for another £8.5 million to be added to the figure that the Gunners are offering.
Merino’s absence could be benefit for Arsenal fans
With just over two weeks remaining before the transfer window slams shut, Arsenal will have to get a move on if they want to sign the former Newcastle United midfielder.
Merino could be available for just £30 million, which could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer.
The Real Sociedad midfielder was key for Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and the Spaniard has made it clear that Arsenal is the move he wants.
Players are often left out of squads if transfers are close to being done to avoid any risks and Merino’s absence could certainly be seen as that here too, even if it’s being presented as something else.
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