Real Sociedad star wants to join Arsenal as Arteta move revealed | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a great admirer of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and is keen on signing him this summer, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The Gunners boss has already called the Spain international, telling him his plans for him in his team. The player is open to joining the club.

Barcelona are also interested in signing Merino, but they have yet to sort out their finances, giving Arsenal a real chance of pipping them to his services.

The 28-year-old is in the last 12 months of his contract at Sociedad, and the club expect him to move on this summer as they eye a €25 million sale.

Arsenal want to bolster their options in the middle of the park, and Merino fits the bill.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has emerged as one of the best in his position in the Spanish top flight in recent seasons.

He has also established himself as a regular for the national team and is currently impressing at the European Championship in Germany.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil claimed in September 2021 that Merino was the best player in La Liga, and Merino agreed that he is ‘one of the best’ in the division.

Apart from his skills on the ball in midfield, the Spaniard is also very capable of influencing games in the final third, ending 2023-24 with eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Merino’s tackling and passing skills have also attracted Arsenal, and it appears they plan to make a serious move for him in the coming weeks.

He has unfinished business in the Premier League after leaving Newcastle in 2018, and the Gunners are willing to hand him a chance to challenge for a league title having never won one.