Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino was already being talked about as one of the bargains of the transfer market before his impressive Euro 2024 campaign. With just a year left on his deal, and his mind made up not to renew his deal, La Real are likely to sell him this summer.
🚨🇵🇹 João Félix, along with Reinildo, trained on the team’s day off. He arrived early and trained alone. He has returned to Atlético Madrid with a good attitude, although his place is not with the club.@mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/UTxG6weKqP
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 28, 2024
As per Matteo Moretto, Atletico Madrid tried to come good on their interest by doing a double deal including him with Robin Le Normand, however it was Merino himself that decided to put talks on hold.
El futuro de Mikel Merino sigue abierto.
El Arsenal ha mantenido vivo su interés con nuevos contactos en los últimos días.
El Atlético intentó incluirle en la operación de Le Normand, pero Merino dio largas.
El Barcelona estaría interesado pero ahora mismo está centrado en… https://t.co/Q902YCwGMX
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) July 28, 2024
Meanwhile Arsenal are also on the scene, and renewed contacts with Merino’s agent this week, as per the latest. Fabrizio Romano has added that once Emile Smith-Rowe’s proposed exit to Fulham goes through, they intend to proceed with a move for Merino.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino's camp next week, after positive contacts.
He's not only name on list but well positioned; price tag requested by Real Sociedad will be key.
Arteta appreciates him; as soon as ESR leaves, Arsenal can proceed. pic.twitter.com/Z9o91NrnMn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2024
The other suitor Merino has is Barcelona. However the Catalan side have decided to prioritise a move for Nico Williams or Dani Olmo first, and only then will turn their attentions to the 27-year-old.
Barcelona remain confident in getting a 'yes' from Nico Williams. They believe he will make a final decision not later than in the middle of next week. @didacpeyret
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 28, 2024
If Arsenal can move for Merino swiftly and tie up a deal with Real Sociedad, it could leave Barcelona with little chance to react. Should talks drag out, then Barcelona will perhaps have a chance to persuade Merino to make the short journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona. It looks as if Atletico must wait to see how things play out with the other two first.
Hahaha Atletico Bilbao 1 trophy last year, faecielona 0, despite vuIvaIonas mere debts being worth more than entire Bilbao institution and all its branches.
Boy did those levers pay of.
PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
1️⃣5️⃣
Billions wasted
Even more debt acquired
Merely one Champ Leag. in over a decade
Over half billion burned Ievers
No CIasico victory in ten games
Dumped out twice in Europa Leag.
Change of four different coaches yielded three trophies
Last three years amounted less than one trophy average compared to our seven
Three trophies in last five seasons
No trophies this season