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Spanish media have update on Mikel Merino’s future with Arsenal still not agreeing a deal
Arsenal’s pursuit of a midfielder is well-documented and Mikel Arteta and co continue to scour the market to reinforce their options in the centre of the park.
The Gunners have already signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, but with just under ten days to go for the new season, they have thus far been unable to add to their squad further.
In terms of midfield options, Mikel Merino has been identified as a top target, with the 28-year-old recently winning Euro 2024 with Spain.
Fabrizio Romano said earlier this week that Merino only wants to join Arsenal, but recent reports from Spain suggest a twist could be on the cards.
Mikel Merino could wait for Barcelona if Arsenal fail to agree deal
The Spanish midfielder is not short of suitors, with confirming that the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in him.
Atleti’s interest, however, is unlikely to materialise, with the midfielder rejecting a move to the Spanish capital as part of the deal that saw Robin Le Normand move to the Wanda Metropolitano.
The same report claims that Merino is a player Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta loves, with the 28-year-old hoping the Gunners make a move for him.
However, if a transfer to north London doesn’t happen, Merino is happy to wait for Barcelona and is even willing to stay at Sociedad for another season to secure a free transfer next summer.
At this point in time, only one possibility is ruled out for Merino, which is signing a contract extension at his current club.
How would Mikel Merino fit in at Arsenal?
Merino would add loads of experience and physicality to Arsenal’s midfield and could be the perfect foil to Declan Rice‘s industry and Martin Odegaard‘s creativity, with the Spaniard making more recoveries than any other La Liga player since the start of the 2021-22 season.
Thomas Partey struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season and while Jorginho gave a good account of himself when he was called upon, he turns 33 later this year and is likely to be viewed as a squad option at best.
Emile Smith Rowe‘s departure to Fulham has freed up funds and a place in midfield for Arsenal and Merino’s arrival would make them adequately stacked in that position. The 28-year-old’s contract runs out next summer and is believed to be available for £26m, a modest fee for a player of his quality.
Merino has a short tryst in the Premier League as he turned out for Newcastle United on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the 2017-18 season, where he made 25 appearances in all competitions for then-manager Rafa Benitez and topped the club’s charts for interceptions per 90, possession regains per 90 and passes attempted per 90.
Arsenal could do well with a squad option like Merino but it remains to be seen if they press ahead with a move for the recently crowned European champion.