Arsenal is set to offer Spanish star Mikel Merino a lucrative contract in an attempt to lure him back to the Premier League.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their midfield options this summer and have identified Real Sociedad’s Merino as a prime target. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal is prepared to present a substantial offer to persuade him to join them at the Emirates Stadium. However, they face competition from Aston Villa, whose manager Unai Emery is keen on the tall midfielder.
Barcelona has also shown interest in the 28-year-old Spanish international, who has just one year remaining on his current contract with Sociedad and a release clause of £56 million.
Merino arrived at Real Sociedad from Newcastle in 2018 and has since made 242 appearances, winning the Copa del Rey in 2020. He also played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, scoring a crucial extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino comes after their unsuccessful attempts to sign his Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi. Despite earlier speculation linking Zubimendi with a move to North London, he has indicated his intention to remain at San Sebastian.
While Arsenal continues to explore midfield reinforcements this summer, they have already seen Albert Sambi Lokonga depart on loan to Sevilla. Emile Smith Rowe is also attracting interest from Fulham, although Arsenal has rebuffed Fulham’s initial offer.
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