Real Sociedad are moving to sign a replacement for Mikel Merino, knowing that the Arsenal target is set to leave this summer.

Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring a 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 FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino celebrates scoring a 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 FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Spanish journalist Hector Gomez reports that Real Sociedad are making a strong move for Javi Guerra of Valencia, willing to pay €20m plus bonuses for the signing.

Gomez claims Sociedad are pushing for the signing in part because of the cash they’re receiving for Robin Le Normand, but also because they know they’re going to sell Mikel Merino this summer.

Sociedad reportedly expect to receive €25-30m (£21.1-25.3m) for Merino this summer, with Arsenal leading the race to sign him.

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)

Guerra operates in central midfield, making him much more of a replacement for Merino than centre-back Le Normand.

Arsenal are reportedly yet to bid for Merino, wanting to complete the signing of Riccardo Calafiori and the sale of Emile Smith Rowe first.

Yet all the signs suggest that the Gunners will make a move, and they’ve already been in contact with the player’s camp to lay the groundwork for their offer. Sociedad are evidently looking to get ahead and line up an alternative in advance.

Valencia's Spanish midfielder #8 Javi Guerra celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish Liga football match between Sevilla FC and Valencia CF at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on August 11, 2023. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Valencia’s Javi Guerra celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Spanish Liga football match between Sevilla FC and Valencia CF at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on August 11, 2023. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and assisting five.

Only missing eight games across all competitions in 2023/24, the 28-year-old is evidently not someone Sociedad can afford to lose without a replacement.