Arsenal interested in Spain midfielder

July 16, 2024La Liga

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.