Arsenal have been looking to fill various positions this transfer market. The club wants to sign a left back, midfielder, striker and possibly a winger too. For the midfield position, the Gunners want to sign a player who can perform well as both holding midfielder and central midfielder. A lot of names have been linked with a move to Emirates till now but none of them advanced any further. Recently, Mikel Merino has been linked with a move to Arsenal and its starting to look concrete.
The Gunners have been completely transformed ever since the arrival of Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has turned the team into title contenders. However the club has missed the opportunity to win the Premier League title for two consecutive seasons. In 2023/24 season, Gunners fell short of only two points to lift league title. Arsenal have left it all behind now and are focused to improve the squad. Arteta wants to improve the midfield department with both signing new players and selling some of the existing stars.
Arsenal linked with Mikel Merino
Arsenal are now linked with Spanish midfielder Merino. Merino is 28 years old who plays as central midfielder but can also adapt as defensive or attacking midfielder too. Currently Merino is with Spanish national team in Euro 2024 and also already played a crucial role for them. Merino scored the late winner in second half of extra time against Germany in round of 16 to knock the hosts out of the tournament.
Mikel Arteta is huge admirer of 28 years old midfielder. In addition, its been reported that Arteta is personally convincing Merino to join Arsenal. According to recent reports Merino is convinced by Arteta and is prepared to move to North London this summer. Merino’s current contract with Real Sociedad expires at the end of 2024/25 season. Hence, Sociedad wants to sell the midfielder immediately and make some profit from him.
According to Tutto Juve, Real Sociedad are demanding €40 million for Merino. However, Arsenal are only willing to pay €25 million keeping his contract situation in mind. Addition of Merino to Arsenal will provide an important support to Declan Rice and Jorginho in the midfield. Merino is someone who very rarely gets injured and makes consistent appearances.
Merino’s career so far
Mikel Merino began his senior career at Osasuna in 2014. After making 67 appearances for the Spanish side, Merino moved to Germany by joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016. However, he was not able to receive many chances and made only 9 appearances in black and yellow jersey. In 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on loan which was converted to permanent move after 3 months. Merino made 25 appearances for Newcastle in 2017/18 season across all competitions.
Merino’s breakthrough spell started in 2018 when he returned back to Spain. The 28 year old has been a crucial player for Real Sociedad from the past six seasons. Merino has been constant starter and has made 242 appearances for the La Liga side. In those appearances, he has scored 27 goals and provided 26 assists.
Arsenal’s midfield situation
Mikel Merino was not the priority of Gunners in this transfer market. The North London club wanted to sign Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi. However Zubimendi is not interested to leave Spain. Another player linked with move to Emirates was Douglas Luiz. However, Arsenal have to face rejection again as the brazilian joined Juventus. Arsenal are also interested in Benfica’s Joao Neves but the portugese club is demanding €120 million.
Emile Smith Rowe is likely to get sold by Gunners. Fulham and West Ham are interested in the 23 year old and this deal may earn Arsenal around £25 million. Another midfielder linked with an away move is Thomas Partey. Partey has been linked with a move to Saudi.
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