Arsenal willing to pay £25m to sign Merino, waiting for a ‘yes’ from the player | OneFootball

Arsenal are searching for a new midfielder during the ongoing transfer window and have reportedly identified their primary target.

According to Mundo Deportivo (page 4), the club are very interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and would be willing to pay £25 million without any deadlines.

Barcelona and an unknown Bundesliga club are also keen on the 28-year-old, who is expected to make a decision soon.

Merino, who is in the final year of his contract, has not ruled out a move to England but has yet to give a ‘definitive yes’.

Gunners keen on signing Merino ahead of Barcelona

Merino has been with Sociedad for the last six seasons, but he appears to be open to a new challenge.

A move to the Premier League could be an enticing prospect for him. The Spaniard spent a solitary season with Newcastle United in 2017/18 where he barely made an impression.

His reputation has been enhanced during his time in San Sebastian. Merino can operate in central and defensive midfield, but he is most comfortable in the number eight role.

The 28-year-old bagged eight goals and five assists last season. He was exceptional defensively with an average of 10.2 duels, 6.4 recoveries and almost two tackles per game.

Merino possesses a high work rate and would perfectly suit manager Mikel Arteta’s playing style.

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney described Merino as a ‘world-class‘ player. He would be a solid addition to the squad, providing more quality and experience.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.