Arsenal remain interested in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, but they’re still exploring alternative options for a midfield summer signing.

MALLORCA, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at Estadi de Son Moix on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at Estadi de Son Moix on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are currently focusing on central midfield, and they hold an ongoing interest in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.

But though Merino is keen to join the Gunners and link up with Mikel Arteta if a deal is reached, McNicholas adds that Arsenal are still exploring their options in the midfield market.

Merino also has an offer to stay with Sociedad, if the transfer doesn’t work out.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring their team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 09, 2023. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
VILLARREAL, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 09, 2023. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

In other Merino news, Diario de Navarra report that Osasuna will be owed 2% of any transfer fee Real Sociedad receive for Merino.

Rather than a sell-on clause, the amount due would be FIFA-mandated training compensation for the four years Merino spent with Osasuna as a young player.

Osasuna already received money for Merino when he made his transfers to Newcastle United and then Real Sociedad, and they’ll cash in again if he joins Arsenal 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)

With just a few weeks left in the summer transfer window, we should get some clarity on Merino’s future in the coming weeks.

If it goes through, Merino would be Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, having brought in David Raya from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and young goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard so far.