Recent reports suggest that Liverpool’s interest in Martín Zubimendi could jeopardise Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino.
The Gunners have intensified their interest in Merino since the end of last season, and he appears ready to move to London.
The midfielder seemed poised for a transfer, with only Arsenal needing to finalise a deal with Real Sociedad to secure his services.
Mikel Arteta’s side is reportedly preparing a strong offer for Merino and is expected to finalise the deal soon.
However, Real Sociedad is now facing the potential loss of two key midfielders, as Liverpool has become serious about signing Zubimendi.
Zubimendi and Merino are considered the backbone of Sociedad’s midfield and were part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad this summer.
In response, Sociedad has offered both players new contracts to keep them. Reports suggest that if Liverpool quickly secures Zubimendi, Merino might be compelled to stay.
However, according to a report from Football Insider, the two deals are independent of each other, and Merino’s departure is essentially a done deal.
He is expected to join Arsenal this summer regardless of how Liverpool’s pursuit of Zubimendi unfolds.
Just Arsenal Opinion
We cannot miss out on signing Merino this summer and it feels good to hear that Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi is not threatening the deal.
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I’m sure that we all hope so as we want to see Merino signed before we get old and grey (or older and greyer).
That said, the word from my Spanish friends – believe them or not, of course – is that Real Sociedad will not allow both players to leave as it would pretty obviously weaken the side too much and they may not be able to secure replacements within this window – particularly if both potential negotiations drag on.
Whether this turns out to be the case we’ll just have to see, but if it was Arsenal in place of RS, would we let equivalent players leave together (not that it’s that likely Arsenal would be able to sell two players of course)? I wonder.
The counterargument is Merino has 1 year left and Arsenal could secure his free transfer in January so probably not the best route for the club.
Reports say that Zubimendi’s deal is off and he’s now staying. We need to get our deal done already as the excitement has worn off