Arsenal are in discussions with Real Sociedad about signing Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino, a member of Spain's Euro 2024-winning team, played in all seven matches of the tournament, scoring a crucial late goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
The 28-year-old has under a year remaining on his current contract, which could facilitate Arsenal’s efforts to secure a transfer, as he will be able to negotiate with other clubs for a free transfer starting in January.
Real Sociedad recently succeeded in persuading Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi to remain at the club, despite interest from Liverpool.
If Merino joins Arsenal, he would enhance the team’s set-piece options, complementing the recent acquisition of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori. Merino, standing 6ft 2in tall, can play as a deeper-lying midfielder and might partner well with Declan Rice, who frequently took on a 'box-to-box' role last season. Merino would offer Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta additional options in midfield alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino has experience in the Premier League from his time at Newcastle, and he also played with Odegaard during the 2019-20 season while Odegaard was on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid.
In the previous season, Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals.
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market, including selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for up to £34 million and signing Calafiori for around £42 million.
Striker Eddie Nketiah’s future remains unclear. Although Marseille showed interest, no move has occurred, and Nketiah is also being watched by Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, though no bids have been received.
