Arsenal Advances Interest In Mikel Merino After Riccardo Calafiori’s Signing

Arsenal is currently leading the race to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and is anticipated to intensify their pursuit in the upcoming days.

The Gunners are close to completion of their first signing of the summer transfer window, as Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer from Bologna is expected to be finalized after he undergoes a medical this weekend.

He will subsequently join the first team for their tour of the USA.

Once Calafiori is over the line, Arsenal will pursue a move for Merino, who has emerged as a concrete target in their search for a new midfielder.

Merino was one of Spain’s stars on their path to Euro 2024 glory this summer, despite mainly featuring from the bench. He notably scored the winning goal in extra-time against Germany in the quarter-finals.

However, Merino has a long-term target for Arsenal, with their interest predating his performances this summer. Mikel Arteta is the key driving force behind this pursuit, even in the early stages of the transfer.

Though Merino turned 28 last month, Arsenal have shown they are prepared to buy experienced players as well as younger prospects. Merino’s track record of 348 senior club appearances appeals to the Gunners, while they have no doubts over his adaptability to the Premier League after spending the 2017/18 season with Newcastle United.

Another significant advantage in Merino’s case is that he is entering the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad, potentially allowing him to be transferred as low as £21 million (€25 million).

Although La Reale would prefer to retain Merino, they are not optimistic about his willingness to extend his contract.

Conversely, they are more hopeful of keeping Martin Zubimendi, another Arsenal target, who has openly expressed his affection for the Spanish club and has never indicated a desire to leave.

Atletico Madrid are Arsenal’s main rivals for Merino, Diego Simeone’s team is actively seeking a midfielder. Although Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is also on Atletico’s radar, he would come at a cost of more than twice Merino’s potential transfer fee.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Barcelona are fond of Merino, but they are working their way through other priorities in the summer market, most notably Athletic Club winger, Nico Williams.