Mikel Merino, the midfielder has attracted Arsenal and the team is likely to sign him. The negotiation of the transfer deal is still going on, till the end of the window.
Real Sociedad have been looking for €29.9 million, but Arsenal seemed to have taken a step back on the price deal,they would only pay €21.5 million over a three year deal.
The Spanish club had also rejected the initial bid on Merino, but despite that Arsenal is interested in signing the 28 year old midfielder. Merino shows clear interest in joining the team, the lengthy negotiations would lead nowhere if Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager wouldn’t arrive at any conclusion.
Mikel Merino’s performance over the last few years
Merino has led the Spanish team in Euro Cup and Paris Olympics finals. The 28 year old midfielder has demonstrated a consistency in his performances throughout his six years in Real Sociedad. With 27 goals, and his numerous attempts to win against Osasuna, has been nothing but excellent signs of his sportsmanship.
Alfredo Sanchez, former Osasuna player has vouched for Merino and thinks that he is a real contender in Arsenal, he has appreciated the midfielder’s brilliant tactics on the field, be it his defence or attacks. He has also stated Merino competes in pressure and makes the best out of the game.
Mikel Merino has been an interesting prospect for Barcelona , Atletico Madrid and now Arsenal. He has played as a left sided midfielder in Sociedad, till now, however, it is left to be seen, how would he play in Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has been systematically aligned to Real Sociedad, so it would be obvious if Merino doesn’t fumble there. His presence in Arsenal is to strengthen the team’s abilities on their left side, along with Calafiori.
Arsenal’s transfer price deals
Before venturing in the Premier League, Arsenal would welcome Wolves into the Emirates, this Saturday. Mikel Arteta is man on a mission to structure his team, that’s why they have added Ricciardo Calafiori to the team, hoping to bolster up the team.
Arsenal is keen on signing Mikel Merino, but the negotiation fee hasn’t settled well with the team, despite the negotiations, the team would continue to sign Merino after his successful Euro Cup campaign, this summer.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper Karl Hein has completed his loan in Real Valladolid, he had been with the Gunners since 2018. He played with Arsenal in the preseason in the United States with few appearances in Estonia.
Arsenal has also witnessed some of their very young players leaving the team, this includes Ruell Waters to Luton Town and Amarillo Cozier Duberry to Brighton. The Gunners have already entered into price negotiations over Chico Obi Martin’s transfer to Manchester United.
Real Sociedad and their immediate loss of star players
After losing Robin Le Normand this summer, the Spanish team has almost lost another two midfielders, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal and Liverpool, respectively.
Sociedad have braced themselves on losing their key players, however they are still adamant they could retain their players, by improving the contract and fee, but it is still highly doubtful that the players would remain with the team.
They have already rejected the initial bid of Arsenal on the transfer of Mikel Merino, after the Euro Cup victory. Liverpool have also shown their desperation in signing Zubimendi ahead of the Premier League.