Arsenal are set to submit a £26 million bid for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino whose preferred destination is the Emirates.
The Gunners want to strengthen in midfield and attack before the start of the new season and Merino would help. Merino wants a move away from Sociedad with North London being his first choice.
The Spaniard has recently returned from a successful Euro 2024 campaign with his national team and is now looking to move to London.
Gunners fans took to X to react to the news:
Really like this signing. Merino next to Rice is an upgrade 👌
— Nick G (@NickGeorgiouUK) August 4, 2024
Just get me this guy asap.
— Theodore Bagwell 🎚️💼 (@Holar_Folarin) August 3, 2024
@afcstuff @Arsenal should just sign him ASAP @FabrizioRomano
— Anthoneecee (@Anthoneecee7) August 3, 2024
Loved him at Newcastle. Got yourself a right player there
— ashNUFC (@AshleyPattins10) August 4, 2024
Arsenal might have the best Premier League midfield
— Footballord (@footballord) August 3, 2024
So bored of this transfer. Don’t even particularly care tbh. Yawn.
— LjB (@AFCLjB) August 3, 2024
What a time to be an Arsenal fan!
— sam (@s_nakhone) August 3, 2024
Mikel Merino’s Premier League past
If he does move to the Emirates, it won’t be Merino’s first stint in the Premier League. The 28-year-old spent a season with Newcastle United in 2018 when he made 25 appearances, scoring one goal and one assist.
He then left St James’ Park for Real Sociedad where he has played since making 242 appearances with 27 goals and 30 assists; his most successful spell as a footballer.
Arsenal faces competition for Merino
The Gunners aren’t the only side looking to land the Spaniard’s signature as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen.
According to the Mirror, Merino is open to joining both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona even though he has previously touted Arsenal as his preferred destination.
