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£30m Arsenal bid rejected as Real Sociedad set asking price for Mikel Merino

Sean Fisher

Tue 20 August 2024 16:35, UK Updated Tue 20 August 2024 16:55, UK

Arsenal are facing a new setback in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Gunners have only completed two signings this summer, one of which was the £27million deal to make David Raya’s stay at The Emirates permanent.

The other was a £42million move for Italy international Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal are now pushing to strengthen their midfield and Sociedad star Mikel Merino is at the top of their shopping list.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has hinted that Merino is on his way to Arsenal amid interest from the North London club, but they have so far failed to reach an agreement over a fee.

It was reported last month that personal terms were agreed for Merino to join Arsenal, but both clubs are now in talks over the fee.

Those talks may continue a while longer after Arsenal’s latest bid was reportedly rejected.

Arsenal bid for Mikel Merino rejected

According to journalist , Sociedad have rejected a bid worth a combined total of £30million.

Arsenal are still inching closer to a deal but they are yet to match Sociedad’s valuation of €40m (£34million).

Fabrizio Romano insists Merino will join Arsenal and has told Gunners fans not to worry as the final details of the deal are ironed out.

Mikel Merino could make Arsenal title favourites

Arsenal have ticked every box they needed to this summer.

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Their lack of depth and strength at left-back has been addressed by Calafiori’s arrival and Merino will bolster Arsenal’s already-strong midfield with a technician and a masterful passer.

Mikel Arteta is fine-tuning his side with shrewd additions and the Gunners will be growing in confidence that this could finally be their year.