Arsenal are one of three clubs in for Mikel Merino this summer, but the Gunners are currently the favourites for the signing.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on March 5, 2024. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

El Desmarque report that everything suggests Mikel Merino will turn down Real Sociedad’s offer of a new contract, effectively forcing them to sell him this summer. His current deal expires in 2025.

Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are reportedly the three clubs to show the most interest in Merino, and the Gunners have the most financial muscle.

The report adds that Mikel Arteta really likes Merino, and the player knows what it’s like to play in the Premier League, but he would also consider staying in La Liga.

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 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)

Fellow Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco report that Arsenal are one of the clubs bidding the most for Merino, whose intention is to leave Real Sociedad this summer while he can still earn them some money for doing so.

The same outlet had claimed earlier this week that Merino has already made it clear to Real Sociedad that he wants to leave, with Fabrizio Romano adding that he’s viewed as a good market opportunity.

James McNicholas initially reported for The Athletic this week that Arsenal want a central midfielder this summer, and Merino is one player of interest.

Spain's midfielder #06 Mikel Merino addresses a press conference of Spain's national football team, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 European football Championships, in Donaueschingen, on June 12, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Spain’s Mikel Merino addresses a press conference of Spain’s national football team, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 European football Championships, in Donaueschingen, on June 12, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

In late June, Barcelona journalist Toni Juanmarti reported that Arteta had reached out to Merino personally to express his interest and outline his potential role at Arsenal.

The report suggested Merino could be available for €25m (£21.1m), making him a more affordable option for Arsenal than some of the alternatives.

Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad in 2023/24, scoring eight goals and assisting a further four. He previously played in the Premier League with Newcastle United for a season, making 25 appearances in 2017/18 before moving on to La Liga.

The midfielder has been a regular for Spain at Euro 2024, largely coming off the bench, but he had a pivotal impact by scoring the winning goal in the quarter-final against Germany.

Arsenal favourites to beat Barcelona to midfield signing

Arsenal are one of three clubs in for Mikel Merino this summer, but the Gunners are currently the favourites for the signing.