Arsenal have still not been able to sign another player after Riccardo Calafiori. If they want to win the Premier League title, they should make some big moves as early as possible. Gunners wanted to sign atleast five players this summer. However they have only been able to sign two. Premier League has already started and transfer window will close in two weeks. Arsenal want to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. They want to make their midfield strong and find perfect partner for Declan Rice. The talks have been ongoing for a long time. However, the deal is not progressing forward. Here are some latest transfer news regarding Mikel Merino.
Gunners have signed David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. Raya impressed Arteta last season when he was on loan. He claimed the starting place and now have signed a permanent contract. Riccardo Calafiori came from Bologna for £39 million. He will complete the Arsenal defense by starting as left back next season. Now the defence is all done and its time to focus on further part of pitch. Arsenal want to sign striker, right winger and midfielder.
Before moving to attacking players, Gunners want to deal with midfield situation. Firstly, Rice played as a holding midfielder. Later he was used as number eight. Rice is said to continue playing as number eight. Hence, Gunners are looking for a player who can play as a defensive midfielder. Arsenal are linked with Mikel Merino who was not their primary target. However, they came across him in Euros and now are very impressed with his style of play. They think Merino is perfect player and will fit in their system.
Recent Merino transfer news
Mikel Merino joined Real Sociedad in 2018. He played the 2017/18 season in the Premier League. He was brought in by Rafa Benitez to play for Newcastle. Merino played important role for Newcastle United but later had to face injury. Later, he lost his place as regular starter and left the club after only one year. Sociedad paid £10 million to The Magpies. According to Newcastle World, no sell-on clause was interested by Newcastle. Hence they will not benefit from the money earned by Sociedad.
Last year, Manchester City were linked with Merino. The transfer fee was said to be around £50 million. However, the deal failed and Merino stayed at Spain. His current contract will expire next year. Arsenal are looking to take advantage of this situation. Sociedad are demanding around £35 million for Merino. On the other hand, Gunners are ready pay only £21 million. In addition, Merino has rejected the contract renewal offer from Sociedad. He is also said to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
The two clubs are constantly in contacts. The deal is expected to happen very soon. Fabrizio Romano has tweeted regarding the Merino transfer news. He wrote that all parties are optimistic and the negotiations are at final stage. Sociedad rejected the opening bid from Arsenal. However, Gunners are not ready to give up and now have submitted another bid. It is said that Gunners are now ready to pay around £30 million.
Other transfer activities in the market
Liverpool were linked with Martin Zubimendi. Zubimendi was the main target of Arsenal this summer. However, he had no intention to leave Spain. The deal was failed. Similar has happened to Liverpool. Zubimendi is set to stay at Sociedad. Real Sociedad would have not liked to part ways with both of their midfielders. Zubimendi leaving the club could have made the path of Merino to Arsenal very very tough. Fortunately, that deal is now off and Merino is set to join Gunners. Gunners need to get the deal over the line soon and then focus on attacking players.
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