Arsenal so far haven’t done much business in the transfer window. There are only two deals included signing David Raya permanently and signing Riccardo Calafiori. However, now the Gunners are focusing on adding reinforcement in the midfield department. Apart from that, they may also look to sign a before the transfer window ends.
One midfielder that Arsenal have been linked heavily with in the past in Mikel Merino. According to the latest updates, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the Spanish Midfielder.
There were a lot of speculations around this deal being happening. Arsenal’s rival Liverpool were also interested in a different Real Sociedad player. The Reds were targeting to sign Martin Zubimendi and make him the first signing in Slot’s regime.
Martin Zubimendi and Liverpool transfer saga
Martin Zubimendi was on the target list of many clubs including Manchester United. Liverpool were the favorites for the signing, however there has been a shocking revelation in the transfer saga.
Martin Zubimendi decided to reject Liverpool’s offer and stay at Real Sociedad. The player is loyal to the club and the commitment favours in his decision to stay at the club. Furthermore, Zubimendi is also open to signing a new contract at Real Sociedad.
This makes the Merino deal a lot easier for Arsenal. Real Sociedad may not have let go of their two star midfielders in the same window. Now with Zubimendi staying, Merino may actually move to Arsenal with ease.
Mikel Merino has already updates the club president about his decision. Both the players and the club have a mutual agreement. Only the transfer fee negotiation is left between Merino becoming an Arsenal player.
Mikel Merino was also left out of the travelling squad for the pre season match against Union Berlin. The club stated that the reason for his exclusion was his fitness. The player was not fit and even missed the training. However, there are speculations that he did not go because of his move to Arsenal.
The transfer negotiations between Real Sociedad and Arsenal
Real Sociedad has set a release clause of £56 million in Merino’s contract. Although there are some factors which can seen this deal go through for a cheaper price. His contract is expiring in the next year. Arsenal can sign this player for around £21million.
Kieran Tierney went to play for Real Sociedad on a loan period. During that, he also claimed that Mikel Merino is a world class level player.
Merino is a central midfielder who can have the control of the pitch and dictate the flow of the game. He can also play as a defensive midfielder but his usual position is in the centre of the park only. Arsenal have some decent options in the midfield but a player like Merino can boost their quality to another level. He may also be the missing link between Arsenal and the Premier league trophy.’
Arsenal are in talks with Real Sociedad for the player. However, the latest update is that Arsenal have disagreed to meet the asking price of £30 million for the player. They value Merino around £25 million and will continue the talks with the club.
Even though the Zubimendi saga has favoured Arsenal is their pursuit of Merino, they cannot slack off. Arsenal have to get done with this deal as soon as they can.
Furthermore, Real Sociedad will also try their best to convince Mike Merino to stay. They have tried having a new contract talks with the player but nothing has happened as of now. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can actually pull this deal off or not.
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