Mikel Merino's age is being privately discussed as a potential concern as Arsenal weigh up a move for the Euro 2024 winner.
The Real Sociedad star, who just helped Spain to glory this summer, is on the Gunners' radar as they plot their summer recruitment. Merino, previously on Newcastle's books, would bolster Arsenal's midfield ahead of another bid to claim Premier League glory.
Pursuing the 28-year-old represents something of a change from the club's usual transfer strategy - and thus has resulted in some internal doubters, reports football.london. Arsenal have made an effort to target young players as they plan for the long-term.
The likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz have all been signed with a long-term view whilst Merino is very much in his peak years and it's claimed that has been highlighted by some members of the hierarchy.
The Spaniard is one of several players who excelled at this summer's major tournament and could land themselves a move as a result. Dani Olmo and Nico Williams are heavily linked with major clubs around Europe whilst Merino's ex-Sociedad team-mate Robin Le Normand has just moved to Atletico Madrid.
Merino highlighted his box-to-box ability at the Euros when he scored a 120th minute for his country to knock out Germany in the last eight. He was regularly utilised from the bench but helped his La Liga outfit excel in last season's Champions League.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay told Mundo Deportivo: “We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August. We will try to make the team come out stronger. I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ - and then leave. I would like him not to leave.
"If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now. We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully, his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay."
Already this summer Arsenal have welcomed one major arrival in the form of Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian signed from Bologna after playing for the Azzurri at the Euros and, at the age of 22, fits the profile of signing the club have tended to make under Arteta.