The Daily Telegraph: Arsenal Targets Mikel Merino; Faces Competition from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid

On July 16, according to The Daily Telegraph, Arsenal is making moves to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad but faces competition for the current Spanish international from teams like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Arsenal had been tracking Merino’s performances in La Liga and the Champions League before the European Championship. Over the past month, his impressive displays helped Spain win the European Championship, drawing more attention from clubs. Merino featured in all seven games of the tournament, often coming off the bench, but still managed to shine, including scoring a decisive goal in the quarterfinals.

The 28-year-old Merino has only one year left on his contract with Real Sociedad, making a move this summer highly likely. His high level of performance makes him an attractive target for teams looking to strengthen their midfield. For Arsenal, Merino represents a “plug-and-play” option due to his previous experience at Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season, which means he wouldn’t need much time to adjust to the Premier League. Over the last six seasons, he has been a regular starter for Real Sociedad, playing more than 30 league matches each season.

Merino is a former teammate of Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, adding another reason for the club to invest in him. The Spaniard can provide additional depth in the defensive midfield position and possesses skills for attacking runs. However, Arsenal may face fierce competition for Merino’s signature, as reports from Spain suggest interest from clubs like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Real Sociedad values him at around £20 million, and negotiations are currently open.