It looks like Mikel Merino joining Arsenal is just a matter of time, if reports from Spain are to be believed. According to Football Espana, Real Sociedad president Jokin Apperribay has mentioned that there are offers on the table for Merino. The club’s stance is that they are open to negotiating the sale of the Spaniard if he expresses his desire to leave. So, who can really give Arsenal a run for their money in this deal?
It was thought the Gunners needed to closely monitor Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in the Merino race. However, it appears that the Gunners no longer need to worry about these two. Merino appears to have been dissatisfied with the Atletico Madrid proposal. When they attempted to approach him during negotiations to sign his Sociedad teammate Robin Le Normand, he didn’t offer them much hope. That means the transfer battle remains between Barcelona and Arsenal.
According to
Sport, it seems like the Catalan giants are becoming less interested in the midfielder. It looks like Barca might not be going after Merino anymore, so Arsenal could have a clear shot at signing him. Arsenal just needs to convince him that moving to North London is the best option.
If he submits a transfer request, the Gunners can close the deal at a bargain, especially since his contract expires next summer and there is no transfer battle in sight.
Aperribay has confirmed that everything is up to Merino. As soon as he chooses which club he wishes to go, Real will not deny his wishes. “I think Mikel has been very sincere with Real. He has had a renewal offer for a year and if he has not renewed it, it is because he did not want to tell the Real fans that he is staying and then leave, and I think that speaks well of him, ”
So, it appears it all comes down to the persuasive powers of Mikel Arteta and Edu.
Peter Rix
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I’m truely baffled by this signing…
What an I supposed to think of this as a life long fan of the club?
He’s definitely not starting over Rice or Partey, he’s just a squad signing to add debth, like Georginho.
Are we sure Smith Rowe couldn’t have done the same job as this guy? Is there noone in the academy that could rotate in for a few games?
I’ve watched more than a handful Sociedad games and still had no clue who this guy is before his one goal at the Euros…
Why are we destroying club identity? How are fans supposed to relate and invest in their club?
This guy will be here for 2-3 seasons and start 20 games max, then he’ll leave and will be forgotten…
I thought we were building towards something meaningful for the future…
Typical just Arsenal fans comment. When we want to get a player,you will hear the best of best of the players abilities but you hear otherwise when we are close to signing the player.
Well, everybody can’t be satisfied
Sir, do you have anything of value to add to the conversation about Mikel Merino?
Or are you too busy degrading other people’s valid and thoughtful opinions?
Well, not all arsenal fans share your opinion. I think Merino would be a good signing. In fact I think he would be an important piece of our midfield for at least five years. And I believe your little knowledge of him is the fault of your little to no attention to LaLiga.
He clearly hasn’t signed yet so it’s still only a “potential” signing.
Since their proposed deal for Williams appears to have fallen through (it seems he’s staying put), my Spanish friends tell me that Barcelona are now looking at other names on their target list and it seems Merino is towards the top.
How much Arsenal really want Merino is open to question but there has certainly been a lot of reports about their interest in him. If so, I think that they had better move quickly if they really want him.