Arsenal make progress in talks with Real Sociedad as they hunt Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino – as sporting director Edu rushes to Spain to get deal over the line
- He has one year left on his contract and played in all seven games for Spain at the European Championship
- Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield for the new season
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Arsenal have made progress in talks with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Mikel Merino.
Sporting director Edu was in Spain to continue negotiations with the 28-year-old midfielder, who is open to a transfer.
He has one year left on his contract and played in all seven games for Spain at the European Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the quarter-final against Germany and lifting the trophy after a 2-1 final win over Gareth Southgate’s England.
The Gunners were interested in the Spaniard after the player made his desire for a transfer known.
Arsenal are believed to be interested in Merino ahead of his successful international tournament as the Gunners, and particularly Mikel Arteta, are keen to strengthen their midfield.
Arsenal have made progress in talks with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Mikel Merino
Mikel Arteta was keen to strengthen the depth of their midfield for the new season
Sporting director Edu is in Spain to continue negotiations for the 28-year-old midfielder
The reports came after Erreala convinced their defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi to stay until the 2024-25 season.
Mail Sport previously reported that Zubimendi has turned down several big clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Merino, a former team-mate of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, has Premier League experience from his time at Newcastle.
He later became a key player at Real Sociedad under coach Imanol Alguacil and was part of the LaLiga squad for the 2022-2023 season.
In total he played 242 games for Erreala, including at least 40 games per season in the last three seasons.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna player scored 36 goals and provided 36 assists in his career.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are working on outgoing players to compensate for his arrival, after Emile Smith-Rowe left for Fulham earlier this summer.
Eddie Nketiah’s desire to leave the Emirates could help spur a deal for Merino as the Englishman is attracting interest from Bournemouth.
The Cherries have lost striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for £65million and are now looking for a replacement after their initial bid for Porto striker Evanilson was rejected.
The Gunners are now believed to be considering a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as Aaron Ramsdale looks set to leave North London.
The 28-year-old player is considering leaving the Spanish club as he only has one year left on his contract
Mikel Merino and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard played together at Real Sociedad from 2019 to 2020
Eddie Nketiah’s departure to Bournemouth could pave the way for Mikel Merino’s arrival at the Emirates
Garcia, 23, has played his entire career for Espanyol and could be ready to take the next step by joining last season’s Premier League runners-up.
He has made 29 appearances for the Spanish club, but has only made three appearances in LaLiga. It is possible that Arsenal will look to buy another goalkeeper alongside Garcia if Ramsdale leaves.
Arsenal open the season on Saturday with a home game against Wolves.