Reports of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally contacting Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino have ignited the transfer rumour mill.

While some sources claim “secret talks,” others suggest a more transparent approach. As Arsenal and Barcelona vie for Merino’s signature, Arteta’s personal touch could prove decisive.

Mikel Arteta holds secret talks with Arsenal transfer target amid Barcelona interest Arsenal want to bolster their midfield this summer and manager Mikel Arteta has taken it upon himself to try his best to convince Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino to join Mikel Arteta, wearing a black, buttoned shirt, speaking into an orange microphone for a video Mikel Arteta has spoken to Mikel Merino to try and convince him to join Arsenal (Image: BBC Sport) NEWS ELECTION 2024 EUROS CELEBS TV SHOPPING ROYALS ByFelix KeithSports Reporter 07:11, 25 Jun 2024
Mirror 25 June 2024

Reports have emerged suggesting Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has held “secret talks” with Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. However, a closer examination of the situation suggests a more transparent approach than the sensationalised headlines might imply.

The Spanish outlet Sport initially reported that Arteta had personally contacted Merino to discuss a potential move to Arsenal. This direct communication was portrayed as a significant advantage for the Gunners in the race to sign the 28-year-old midfielder, who is also a target for Barcelona.

Danger: Arteta has already called Merino Barça are playing at a disadvantage as they can't move a piece while waiting for the financial 'fair play’ and Mikel won't wait much longer Sport24 Jun 2024 // LAPRESSE Mikel Merino celebrates the victory against Italy at the European Championship while still not revealing his future Although it is still relatively early, the days are passing and the clubs are moving their profile in the market. Who still can not do it is an FC Barcelona pending to know when - if at all - he will return to the one-on-one rule. This situation harms the Catalan club, as it sees how other teams are moving forward when it comes to seducing several of the Culés targets. This is the case of Mikel Merino. As SPORT announced, the Real Sociedad midfielder is a very well-placed name on Deco's agenda in order to strengthen the core. Merino ends his contract in 2025 and for now he has not wanted to progress in a hypothetical renewal with the Basque club. In fact, in San Sebastian they are beginning to assume that all roads lead to a downward transfer this summer that would be around 25 million euros. ARSENAL WANT THE REAL SOCIEDAD MIDFIELDER, WHO IS VERY SEDUCED BY THE INTEREST 'GUNNER’ of euros. Merino already knows the real interest of Barça, although he also knows that the Catalan club needs time to be able to formalize an offer. And this is exactly the point that plays against the Barça team. While Barça cannot move a piece, other suitors can, especially Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The ‘gunner' coach is a great admirer of the Navarro's game and wants to incorporate him into his team, yes or yes. Returning to the Premier League seduces Navarro So much so that Arteta has already transferred directly to Merino the big plans he has for him. And Mikel has been seduced by the possibility of signing for one of the big clubs in Europe. The midfielder, who turned 28 yesterday, already knows the Premier League after his year at Newcastle and considers that he would take a step forward in his career if he could join Arsenal. And more with the absolute confidence of the coach. In a recent interview with Relevo, Merino dropped his adventurous mindset. “My experiences outside have been a joy. I've always liked adventures”" he said, allowing himself to read between the lines that a probable change of scenery is passing through his head. If Barça wants to keep real options of getting the services of Merino they will have to move fast.
“Danger: Arteta has already called Merino. Barça are playing at a disadvantage as they can’t move a piece while waiting for the financial ‘fair play’ and Mikel won’t wait much longer” Sport 24 June 2024

The Daily Mirror in the UK subsequently picked up on the story, framing Arteta’s communication as “secret talks.” However, this characterisation is somewhat misleading. In the competitive world of football transfers, it’s not uncommon for managers to reach out directly to players to express interest and discuss potential roles within the team. This can be seen as a proactive and transparent approach, rather than a clandestine operation. Besides, how ‘secret’ could these talks be if they are already all over the media?

Spain's midfielder #06 Mikel Merino celebrates after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain’s midfielder #06 Mikel Merino celebrates after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

Merino, whose contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2025, is reportedly valued at around €50 million. Arsenal‘s reported financial stability and willingness to meet this valuation, coupled with Arteta’s personal outreach, could make the Emirates Stadium an attractive destination for the Spanish midfielder.

Barcelona, on the other hand, is currently hampered by financial constraints and is waiting on potential investments and a new deal with Nike to bolster their transfer budget. This delay has reportedly allowed Arsenal to take the initiative in their pursuit of Merino.

While the exact nature of Arteta’s communication with Merino remains unclear, it’s important to consider the context of football transfers. Direct contact with players is a common practice, and framing it as “secret talks” may be an attempt to generate hype rather than an accurate reflection of the situation.