Real Sociedad continues to fight to keep Arsenal target Mikel Merino after his stunning form at Euro 2024.
The midfielder was in fine form as Spain won the competition, and he is now expected to change clubs.
It seemed certain that he would stay at Sociedad at the beginning of the summer, but after his fine performance at Euro 2024, several clubs are now showing interest in his signature.
Arsenal is one of them, and the Gunners will step up their interest now after sealing a move for Riccardo Calafiori.
Sociedad knows the Gunners are coming to sign him, but their president, Jokin Aperribay, insists they have not given up on keeping him.
He, however, admits that if the midfielder insists on leaving them this summer, then they will happily do a deal to allow him to find a new home.
He said, as quoted by Football 365:
“We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them.
“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay.
“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Merino proved his worth at the Euros and if we do not sign him, another club will do so.
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The president’s remarks are what I would expect from a Sociedad perspective and reasonable. He’s simply saying that leaving or staying is up to Merino (he’s been with them for 6 seasons) as long as another club makes an acceptable offer or he signs the renewal contract on offer at Sociedad.
With a move for Williams now ruled out as he’s staying where he is, Barcelona will be looking at other targets and, apparently, Merino is towards the top of their list. If so, Arsenal had better move quickly to ensure his signature.