Martin Zubimendi’s decision to stay at Real Sociedad may have given Arsenal a boost in their pursuit of Mikel Merino, according to a report.

Earlier this week, local Real Sociedad outlets reported that Martin Zubimendi had been given a deadline of Wednesday to decide whether or not to join Liverpool. By Monday, that decision was already clear, with the player electing to stay.

The news was very welcome to Sociedad, who feared losing both Zubimendi and Arsenal target Mikel Merino late in the window with no time to use the funds they’d bring in.

In turn, Arsenal fans grew concerned that Zubimendi joining Liverpool could lead Sociedad to play hardball for Merino. But by remaining patient, Arsenal have now seen the Zubimendi transfer go up in smoke.

Mundo Deportivo report that as long as there’s an understanding between Arsenal and Sociedad, there won’t be a problem between Merino and his club with regards to a transfer.

But they add that the scenario would be very different if Zubimendi had left, and they’d have to up their asking price for Merino in response.

Yet Zubimendi’s decision to stay doesn’t mean the Merino deal is done. Miguel Delaney claims Arsenal are still €10m away from an agreement, wanting a deal at €25m rather than the €35m Sociedad are hoping to bring in.

Elsewhere, James McNicholas claims for The Athletic that if Merino declines Sociedad’s offer to extend his contract, they’ll have little choice but to sell him.

Yet McNicholas adds that Arsenal are yet to make an offer, and the club are still considering whether to push ahead with the transfer.