The Gunners have long had their sights set on Mikel Merino, though they have yet to make a formal offer for the 28-year-old. With his contract with Real Sociedad nearing its expiration, interest from other major clubs like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona has also emerged.
Despite the growing interest from top teams, Real Sociedad is eager to keep Merino. The club has offered him a new contract in hopes of persuading him to remain in San Sebastián, but so far, he has shown little interest in signing.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has acknowledged that Merino has received offers but stressed that the club is determined to keep him. “We are not currently in talks with any club about letting any player go,” Aperribay stated.
“We anticipated that the summer would be lengthy, and it will be managed throughout August. Our goal is to strengthen the team. Merino has been honest with us over the past year; if he hasn’t renewed, it’s because he didn’t want to commit publicly and then leave. I hope he stays.
“If he finds any of the offers appealing, we will assess the situation. We are not negotiating with any club at the moment. We are aware of the offers Merino has and have had sincere discussions with him and his representatives. We hope he decides to stay. He has had a renewal offer for a while. If not, we will seek the best possible solution for Real Sociedad, whether that involves his release clause or other terms. The club must focus on the future.”
Last season, Merino was instrumental for Real Sociedad, making 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals, and providing five assists. This impressive performance has led Arsenal to consider a significant offer that Merino might find hard to refuse, especially with his contract entering its final year.
Merino’s future is likely to remain a key topic throughout the transfer window. Meanwhile, he is currently taking a break after helping Spain win the 2024 European Championship in Germany. He is expected to return for pre-season training soon, but whether he will continue with Real Sociedad for the upcoming season remains uncertain.
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