In spite of interest from elsewhere earlier in the transfer window, Mikel Merino now only has two options on the table this summer, according to a report.
MALLORCA, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at Estadi de Son Moix on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Mikel Recalde reports for Noticias de Gipuzkoa that the current situation for Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad is that he either goes to Arsenal or sees out the final year of his contract with his current club.
Both possibilities are still on the table, and Real Sociedad executive Jokin Aperribay reportedly considers the latter option viable – planning to use that final year to try to convince the player to extend his contract.
But Arsenal are Merino’s preferred option for 2024/25. The Gunners reportedly fit his desires in terms of contract, style of play, and coaching. Mikel Arteta has seemingly already convinced the player of the London move.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid CF at Reale Arena on April 26, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Merino has a €65m release clause, but Real Sociedad are willing to lower their demands as they have a good relationship with the player, and they’ve promised him they won’t stand in his way if a good offer comes in.
The same outlet suggests initial contact has taken place for Merino’s transfer, but nothing official yet.
For the time being, Merino has returned to Real Sociedad’s training ground following his post-Euros holiday.
STUTTGART, GERMANY: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Stuttgart Arena on July 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano suggested last week that Arsenal were “really, really close” to a €30m deal for Merino, but it’s not done yet.
If it goes through, Merino would be Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, having brought in David Raya from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and young goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard so far.
