Arsenal are reportedly close to securing the signature of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, following their imminent acquisition of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
![Midfielder close to Arsenal move as Barcelona cools interest 1 Merino, only if it comes out Of Jong The option seems remote and everything points to the fact that the Navarro will be the new Arsenal footballer Sport25 Jul 2024 // AP Everything indicates that Mikel Merino and Koundé will not share a wardrobe FC Barcelona may soon be without one of the players they had on their transfer list. His future will probably pass through Arsenal, once the Barcelona club has seen his incorporation almost impossible and the footballer himself prefers to play in the Premier League rather than at Atletico Madrid, another of his suitors. Merino has one more year of contract with Real Sociedad and has not accepted the renewal offer. Therefore, the Gipuzkoan club has decided not to take another step and espe THE 'GUNNERS' OFFER 25 MILLION TO REAL SOCIEDAD FOR HIS SERVICES; THE PLAYER ENDS HIS CONTRACT IN 2025 rar that his contract expires, unless an interesting offer comes to sell him. This proposal can come from London and would be about 25 million euros. An appreciable amount for a footballer who in a year could be signed with the letter of freedom. Barça, for its part, has been very realistic. With Nico Williams and Dani Olmo as the main targets, the arrival of Merino - a footballer that Deco likes very much - would only be possible with a transfer of Frenkie de Jong. De Jong has two more years signed, until 2026, with an ascending contract and very high amounts. FC Barcelona has been very clear in the negotiations with Merino and, if the Dutchman continues, it is impossible to have the economic capacity to face the arrival of Merino, who also occupies a very similar position in the field. He ALREADY KNOWS THE PREMIER LEAGUE Without the option of negotiating a contract upgrade with Real Sociedad and with the possibility of Barça far away, all the shots are pointing towards the Premier League, a competition that he already knows from his time at Newcastle. Now he would sign for Arsenal, a club that has been reborn by the hand of Mikel Arteta and that aspires not only to the Premier League, but also has the ambition to fight for the Champions League.](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/07/240725-sport-esp-merino-e1721901460876.png)
The option seems remote and
Merino, who impressed during Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, has been a long-term target for the Gunners. With only one year remaining on his contract and having rejected a renewal offer from Real Sociedad, the Spanish club is reportedly willing to accept a €25 million offer from Arsenal for the 28-year-old midfielder according to Sport in Spain. Otherwise, they will let him run out his contract.
This potential transfer comes after Arsenal outmanoeuvred several European giants to secure the signing of Calafiori for €50 million (€45m + €5m). The Italian defender’s arrival will strengthen Arsenal’s defensive options, and Merino’s signing would further boost Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new season.
Arsenal €45m signing to be official ‘in a few hours’ – Report
Barcelona, who have also shown interest in Merino, are reportedly unable to compete financially with Arsenal’s offer. The Catalan club’s priority targets, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, will stretch their budget. Additionally, the potential signing of Merino hinges on the departure of Frenkie de Jong, which seems unlikely at this stage.
Atletico Madrid are also keen on Merino but are reluctant to meet Real Sociedad’s asking price. Their ongoing pursuit of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has further complicated their financial situation, making an agreement for Merino less likely.
![Midfielder close to Arsenal move as Barcelona cools interest 2 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)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/06/fbl-euro-2024-match03-esp-cro-scaled-e1719135917141.jpg)
Merino, who previously played in the Premier League with Newcastle United, reportedly favours a move to England over a transfer to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal’s ambitious project under Arteta, coupled with their financial muscle, has made them the most attractive destination for the Spanish midfielder.
The arrival of Merino would be a significant boost for Arsenal, adding a dynamic and versatile midfielder to their ranks. His experience and technical ability would complement the existing midfield options and provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility.
With Merino’s move to Arsenal reportedly close, the Gunners are demonstrating their intent to build a squad capable of challenging for top honours in the Premier League and Champions League.
The addition of both Calafiori and Merino would signal a significant strengthening of the team’s spine, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Next up, another goalkeeper and a forward.