Arsenal are seriously considering a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to The Telegraph.
The Spanish international has less than a year left on his contract and it is believed that he will be sold for £20m this summer.
Fans on X are very sceptical about whether the former Newcastle player would add anything to Mikel Arteta’s squad:
God forbid
— MOGUL MERCHANDISE (@kaymicky007) July 15, 2024
Not happy about it at all.
I expected a WC player for this role and this is just another stop-gap— Dean-Bracha-Saka (@DeanBracha) July 15, 2024
No please
— AK (@GhabeeAk) July 15, 2024
This ain't the bomba we was excited for man
— Roli Tshindane (@RoliTshindane) July 15, 2024
The right profile in number 8 role is Bruno G
— Gilbert Kirui (@Gilbert18698090) July 15, 2024
Very good player but with interest from Atletico and Barcelona, I reckon he stays in La Liga.
— GTalksArsenal (@GTalksArsenal) July 15, 2024
Arsenal are not the only club interested in the midfielder
The Telegraph believe that Atletico Madrid are also planning a bid for Merino, which will complicate the Gunners’ pursuit of the 28-year-old.
It should also be pointed out that The Athletic journalist James McNicholas spoke out earlier this month to say that the player would prefer to stay at Real Sociedad. Based on those factors, there is a good chance that a transfer to the Emirates will not materialise.
The interest in Merino suggests the club are working on a limited budget
The Spaniard would be brought in to provide depth in the middle of the park but you can’t see him being a regular starter.
Merino’s teammate, Martin Zubimendi, in contrast, would have added more quality to the squad but, despite Arsenal’s longstanding interest, it’s clear that they are unwilling to pay his €60m (£50m) release clause.
From the outside looking in, it appears the Gunners are pursuing Merino purely because he would be a cheap purchase.
