With negotiations continuing to drag on for Mikel Merino, Arsenal fans could be forgiven for becoming a touch concerned about the deal’s chances of falling through, or another competitor swooping in. However the latter looks more unlikely every day.
Merino was formerly a target for Barcelona, but Hansi Flick has told the media that they have sufficient midfielders to forge ahead with. Meanwhile Atletico Madrid also approached him, but were turned down. They have since brought in Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
Fermín López: "I'll rest for a week and then we'll start training with the team again." @JijantesFC
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 9, 2024
As per Fabrizio Romano, Real Sociedad and his other suitors have been informed that he only wants to go to Arsenal at this point. Manager Mikel Arteta has convinced Merino to return to the Premier League, and the Euro 2024 winner is set on working with the Basque manager. The two clubs are currently thrashing out the details of payment terms and variables as things stand.
The 27-year-old will add physicality and an excellent positional sense to the Emirates. Merino has operated in a double pivot with Martin Zubimendi for the last few years, but has often been given the task of appearing at different heights and attacking the box, which he showed to excellent effect against Germany a month ago. The deal is rumoured to be worth around €30m.
