4 months ago
10 Arsenal are interested in a potential transfer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer, according to Gunners writer and expert Charles Watts.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Watts explained that Merino is a player appreciated by Arsenal, even if things haven’t got to a particularly advanced stage yet.
Meanwhile, Watts adds that there could be interest from other clubs as well, following the 28-year-old’s impressive form for Spain at Euro 2024, which itself followed a strong campaign in La Liga with Sociedad.
Arsenal don’t usually sign older players like this, but there have been some notable exceptions that have worked out well for them, such as Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, so Watts thinks the club could be ready to be flexible on this as someone like Merino looks like a good opportunity on the market.
Merino is in the final year of his contract at Sociedad, so would likely be cheaper than another player Arsenal like there, Martin Zubimendi.
Merino transfer: Arsenal interest confirmed by Watts
Mikel Merino to Arsenal?“Arsenal are interested in Mikel Merino, but I’m not aware that things have moved beyond the interest stage yet,” Watts said.
“He is a player they appreciate, but it’s been difficult to progress things while Merino has been away with Spain at the Euros.
“Midfield is an area Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer, with Merino’s Spanish international team-mate Martin Zubimendi another player the club admires. Both players have impressed in glimpses during the Euros, even though neither were regular starters.
“Merino could be a more appealing option than Zubimendi because he would cost far less than the 25-year-old. He only has a year left on his contract with Real Sociedad and it’s understood that the La Liga side would be willing to accept an offer for the midfielder this summer rather than risk losing him on a free.

“Merino has just turned 28, so he is a bit older than the type of player that Arsenal usually go for under Mikel Arteta and Edu, but they have shown with Leandro Trossard and Jorginho that they will add older players should they believe the deal is worth doing.
“And Merino does tick a lot of the boxes in terms of what Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder.
“He can play as a No.6, but he can also play in a more advanced box to box type role. So he would bring the versatility that Arteta demands from any player that he signs.
“It is a potential deal to keep an eye on this summer when it comes to Arsenal, but it must be noted that there are some top clubs in Spain who are also mulling over a move for the Euro 2024 winner.”
