Arsenal are showing keen interest in signing Spain midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer transfer window.
According to reliable journalist, Charles Watts, the Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield option this summer, and they have earmarked the 28-year-old midfielder as one of their targets.
Merino, who was part of the Spain squad that won the Euro 2024 Championships, has only a year left on his contract with Real Sociedad.
The La Liga club would be willing to accept an offer for Merino rather than risk losing him for free in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are also interested in signing Merino’s Spanish international team-mate Martin Zubimendi. However, given Merino’s contract situation, he seems a more feasible target.
Watts says that the Gunners have not made any move for Merino at the moment, but now that Euro 2024 is over, the London giants could firm up their interest and try to get a deal done.
Do Arsenal need Mikel Merino?
Merino has played for clubs like Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United before moving to Real Sociedad.
Since joining in the summer of 2018, he has made over 240 appearances for the Spanish club. He has previous experience playing English football with Newcastle and could be tempted to join Arsenal, who can offer him Champions League football.
While Zubimendi is younger than Merino, that should not be a major factor in not signing him. By signing players like Leandro Trossard and Jorginho, Mikel Arteta has made a point that age is just a number, if the player is good enough.
The best thing about Merino is that he is a versatile midfielder. He is traditionally a number six, but he can also play in a more advanced box-to-box type role.
It won’t be easy to get him on board as several other Spanish clubs are vying for his signature.
In other Arsenal news, Premier League rivals eye move to sign Gunners player this summer.
