Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino wants to join Arsenal over Barcelona and other clubs this summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The Spain international has been on the radar of the Camp Nou club for a while, with new manager Hansi Flick keen on strengthening his midfield.
However, Merino has chosen Arsenal ahead of Barca and co, and it is believed he could seal a move to the North London club in the coming days, with both clubs locked in talks.
The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old and it is now left for them to strike a deal with Sociedad over a fee.
With his contract expiring next summer, the La Liga club do not want to lose one of their most important players for free and are ready to cash in on him this summer.
In the same vein, Arsenal do not want to pay over the odds for a player that they can get for nothing next summer.
Merino proved exactly why Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of his qualities and style of play with his impressive performances at the European Championship last month.
The former Newcastle United midfielder played a key role as Spain secured deserved victory at the competition, and the North London club could do with such a player within their ranks.
Merino is arguably an upgrade on Thomas Partey and he will help make the Arsenal midfield better with the quality he brings to the table.
The powerhouse midfielder is also an excellent goalscorer, ending last term with eight goals and four assists after getting involved in 11 league goals in 2022-23.
Bolstering their ranks is necessary if the Gunners want to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2024-25, and landing Merino, having already snapped up Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori will go a long way in boosting their chances next term.
