Real Sociedad reject official Arsenal bid for Mikel Merino | OneFootball

La Liga club Real Sociedad have rejected the first official offer from Arsenal for Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino, according to Radio Marca journalist Yon Cuezva.

Both clubs recently started formal talks over the 28-year-old, but they are far apart in their valuation of the player.

La Real have knocked back Arsenal’s bid but negotiations are continuing as the midfielder wants to link up with the London club after talks with manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are looking to pay around €25 million for Merino as they believe that is a fair price for a player whose contract expired next summer.

However, Sociedad are holding out for €35m and want a significant portion of the fee paid up front.

They have already frustrated Liverpool after they attempted to sign Martin Zubimendi, with the former Arsenal target now set to remain in Spain despite coming very close to leaving.

Sociedad will be looking to frustrate the Gunners in their bid to land Merino and will likely hold out for a fee very close to their asking price for a deal to work out.

Arsenal will have to significantly improve their next offer if they want the Spanish star, and a new bid is expected in the coming days.