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Arsenal have made it clear to Real Sociedad that they are unwilling to meet their €35 million (£29.8m) asking price for Mikel Merino, according to reports in Spain.
Mikel Arteta has made Merino his top target to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield but the Gunners remain in talks with Real Sociedad over a move for the 28-year-old.
According to El Diario Vasco, a newspaper based in San Sebastian, Arsenal have not submitted an offer to Real Sociedad for Merino but will not match the €35m (£29.8m) bid that the Basque club have received from Atletico Madrid.
The report claims that Arsenal consider Merino’s valuation too high for a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Merino, meanwhile, has asked to leave Real Sociedad but Arsenal could now walk away from a deal unless the midfielder’s asking price is reduced.
The midfielder returned to training with Real Sociedad last week having been a part of Spain’s squad for their successful Euro 2024 campaign earlier this summer.
When asked about his future in June, Merino said: ‘The next step has to come from within, from me, from analysing myself, seeing what player I am now, where I am and where I want to go. And what is the way to do it.’
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad were handed a major boost on Monday as Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, was Liverpool’s priority midfield target for the summer transfer window.
But the Spain international has rejected the chance to join Arne Slot’s side and will spend at least another season with Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi currently has a €60m (£51m) buyout clause as part of his deal with the Basque side.
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