Arsenal will offer Spain star Mikel Merino the ‘contract of a lifetime’ to tempt him back to the Premier League.
The Gunners are keen to add to their midfield options this summer. And they appear to see Real Sociedad star Merino as an ideal option. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners are wiling to hand over a huge deal to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal face competition for his services from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, with Unai Emery a fan of the tall midfielder.
Barcelona are also interested in the Spanish international. Merino, 28, has just a year remaining on his current contract with Sociedad and has a £56m release clause.
Merino joined the club from Newcastle in 2018. He has gone on to play 242 games, won the Copa del Rey in 2020 and has made 28 appearances for Spain. He appeared in every round of Euro 2024 and netted a crucial extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal will certainly hope that their move for Merino is more successful than their attempts to sign his Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi. The latter has regularly been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal were expected to renew their interest this summer amid their search for a new midfielder. But he now appears set to stay in San Sebastian.
Reports in Spain previously suggested that he had rejected a move to North London. Zubimendi also gave his say on his future and admitted that he was not angling for a move any time soon.
“They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home,” he said. "I cannot say that I will play my entire career at Real Sociedad, perhaps the club won’t want me to continue in the future. But I do not concern myself with these rumours.”
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil was confident of Zubimendi’s loyalty in the future. Speaking last season, he said: "Martin Zubimendi wants to stay here and for sure he will stay with us at Real Sociedad next season. I have no doubts, he’s staying with us."
While Arsenal are aiming to add to their midfield options this summer, they have already let one leave. Albert Sambi Lokonga has departed the club to join Spanish side Sevilla on a season-long loan. Emile Smith Rowe is also a candidate to depart amid interest from Fulham but the Gunners have rejected the Cottagers’ opening bid.
Bokacdilot
0
There they go again
ruubcmnory
0
zibumendi said he is staying. we can go for him even if we really wanted
*can't
ruubcmnory
0
yes you can say that again, how can they focus on a 28 year old player while the likes of Zibumendi is their
zibumendi said he is staying. we can go for him even if we really wanted
Ubong12
2
I don't have any complain or benefit of doubt about this acquisition because i trust Arteta knows who he wants, Come think of it, the likes of Rice & Odegaard are relatively still young, we need an experience head too (Reason why Rodri is undroppable) I don't know much about Merino but my La liga friends says he's a good midfielder, we need someone with this kind of tall frame for aerial duels too
Ubong12
0
yes you can say that again, how can they focus on a 28 year old player while the likes of Zibumendi is their
If it's a 28yrs old player that will bring us success then so be it, you guys should chill and watch bro
Nanabdenpy
0
arteta and edu are not serious of this seasons summer transfer at all
yes you can say that again, how can they focus on a 28 year old player while the likes of Zibumendi is their
piaadpuy
2
arteta and edu are not serious of this seasons summer transfer at all