Arsenal ready to accelerate move for Mikel Merino

Arsenal are gearing up to intensify their efforts to secure Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, their prime target for midfield reinforcement. According to 90 Min, the Gunners face competition from La Liga sides, including Barcelona, but remain optimistic about landing the 28-year-old Euro 2024 winner.

Having already agreed on a deal for defender Riccardo Calafiori, who will soon undergo a medical in London, Arsenal are poised to focus on midfield acquisitions next. Mikel Merino, a standout in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, fits the profile for the left-eight role that Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen.

With Real Sociedad’s reluctance to let him go, Arsenal are prepared to meet the €25 million price tag. Merino’s attributes in ball progression and duel-winning align perfectly with Arteta’s vision to solidify the left-hand side of his team, an area that struggled for consistency last season following Granit Xhaka’s departure.

As the Gunners aim to build a stable and formidable left flank, the potential partnership of Merino with Declan Rice and possibly Gabriel Martinelli looks promising. This strategic push in the transfer market underlines Arteta’s commitment to enhancing squad depth and stability.