Arsenal plotting move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino
Arsenal have had a quiet summer transfer window and they are yet to make an outfield signing.
David Raya has been the only major acquisition. The Spanish goalkeeper secured his permanent transfer from Brentford after a successful season on loan with the Gunners.
The club are currently locked in negotiations with Bologna over defender Riccardo Calafiori, but they are yet to finalise a suitable payment structure for the Italian ace.
The Telegraph now report that the Gunners are plotting a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. They were interested in him before the start of Euro 2024.
His reputation was further enhanced during the tournament. The Spaniard could be available for £20 million with his contract with Sociedad expiring in June next year.
Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit and could face competition from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Merino would provide more depth and experience
Manager Mikel Arteta decided to play with Jorginho and Thomas Partey in the number six role in the season run-in as Rice was handed more freedom to press forward.
The Gunners boss may want more competition for places and Merino would be a quality signing.
The Spaniard started off his career as a defensive midfielder. He made 22 appearances from the role during his solitary campaign with Newcastle United in 2017/18.
He has since been contracted to Sociedad where he has established himself from a central role.
Merino has caught the eye with his strong duel winning ability and other defensive attributes.
The Spain international won a stunning 10.2 ground and aerial duels per game last season with an average of 2.4 tackles, 6.2 ball recoveries and 1.7 clearances.
He was likewise impressive in the final third. He registered eight goals and five assists last term and showed the willingness to regularly high press his opponents.
Merino has a drawback with his average passing (77 percent success rate) and tendency to lose possession, but Arteta seems an admirer of his overall abilities.
With the low price tag involved, Arsenal’s hierarchy could be prepared to sign the Spaniard, who was described as ‘world-class’ by defender Kieran Tierney last term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
