Arsenal are in a significantly favoured position to sign Mikel Merino, one of the highest rated midfielders in La Liga. The midfielder is also said to have attracted interest from Barcelona though they are currently prioritising the signing of another Arsenal target, Nico Williams.
The North London club are reportedly keen to have Merino in their ranks, more so after his successful campaign with Spain at the Euros. Apparently, Real Sociedad are demanding £25m for the midfielder. The 28-year-old has entered the final year in his contract. This could act as a catalyst in lowering the price set by the San Sebastian Club.
Real Sociedad also hope to retain their key man and are said to be offering him a lucrative contract. Having spent 8 years at the club, Merino is looking for a new challenge and there is also interest from the midfielder to join Arsenal.
Arsenal Willing to Complete Their Third Signing
It has been quite an uneventful summer for the Gunners. There has been almost no transfer activity barring the permanent move of David Raya from Brentford. However, a second signing is not far as Riccardo Calafiori looks ready for his move to London. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, whose confirmations are usually on point, the Bologna defender is ready to put his pen to the paper. He will undergo his medical in LA to join the pre-season squad.
With a second arrival hopefully approaching, Merino looks to be the next man to follow. Mikel Arteta, after another strong yet regretful season, intends to stop Manchester City’s monstrous winning streak in the Premier League. He will focus on rotating his squad and has demanded the club to work on their bench strength. Merino’s addition will provide more option and dynamism in the midfield. The Spaniard himself has reciprocated their interest by expressing his wish to join them. Arsenal’s swiftness in the process has led him to reject many other teams. Giants like Barcelona, Chelsea and an anonymous Bundesliga team shared a similar preference for the Sociedad star but only the Gunners are in pole position to sign him. The deal is somewhat dependent on Arsenal’s other transfer activities including Emil Smith Rowe’s imminent move to Fulham. This proves the impeccable calculative efforts of the club’s recruiters.
Read More:- Arsenal Pre-Season Match Against Bournemouth
How Will Merino Fit in the Team?
Merino’s arrival will help strengthen the current midfield. His height adds to his tough and technical plays and can offer much needed creativity to open defensive blocks. The Pamplona-born player’s experience can be an element of surprise which Arteta will gleefully welcome in the training grounds. His adaptability to different tactics is an asset to Arsenal’s passing and possession approach.
Much time along with an elite squad can improve his passing ability. His strongest department lies in tactical possession and winning the ball from opponents. Last season, in the entire Real Sociedad squad, Merino made the most tackles (77), dominated 168 aerial duels, won 112 possessions in the middle, and 21 in the front. He has also made a total of 354 successful passes in the final-third and registered 5 goals and 3 assists. He is the only player in the top 5 leagues of Europe to go unbeaten in 300+ duels.
With a strong left foot, Merino usually plays in the left central midfield and could play a role similar to that of Granit Xhaka. It is quite exciting to imagine him teaming up with Declan Rice with the Spaniard complementing his defensive abilities with the Englishman and his attacking prowess with the forwards.
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