Official: Mikel Merino left out of Real Sociedad squad for La Liga opener ahead of imminent Arsenal transfer | OneFootball

Earlier this week, it was reported that Mikel Merino was to be omitted from Real Sociedad’s matchday squad for their La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano, taking place at Reale Arena on Sunday evening. The club have now confirmed this to be the case.

Merino is expected to sign for Arsenal in the coming days, with a €35m deal set to be agreed with La Real. Should that be the case, he has now played his final match for the club he joined back in 2018.

The rest of La Real’s Spain contingent (Alex Remiro, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal) have been included, although there is no place for new signing Sergio Gomez, who recently returned after helping La Rojita win gold at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Merino’s impending departure is a blow for Real Sociedad, although club bosses will be thankful that Zubimendi won’t be joining him in the Premier League, following his rejection of a move to Liverpool.