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Arteta's Arsenal handed Mikel Merino transfer boost?
By Adam Schultz
Following Emile Smith Rowe's departure, Arsenal has its sights set on Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, with the club reportedly receiving a boost in its chase for his signature.
Arsenal is in the thick of the summer transfer window and with Riccardo Calafiori already being signed by the club, and the departure of Emile Smith Rowe, the Gunners are in the market for another midfielder.
One such name that has been constantly thrown up has been Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.
With Barcelona also in the race for his signature, it was thought that the lure of playing for the Spanish giants might be too good to refuse...but it appears that Merino's head has already been turned.
But Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
Per Mundo Deportivo, there are reports that Merino, while aware of Barcelona's interest, has "opted" to join the Gunners instead. Now, it is worth noting this is just a report, but if there is truth to it, this shows how far the Gunners have come under sporting director Edu and Arteta.
🗣️| @FabrizioRomano: “Arsenal remain confident about closing the Mikel Merino deal in the next few days as the Premier League club have an agreement with Real Sociedad on the package for the player, which will be around €30m. The clubs are still discussing the structure of the… pic.twitter.com/F4JQidHAP3
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) August 4, 2024
A player opting for Arsenal OVER Barcelona is unheard of, but such is the project in north London and what Arteta is building, it appears that Merino's head has been turned.
With less than a year to go on his contract, the 28-year-old has an older profile than most of Arsenal's recent signings and per Football.london, Merino's age has caused some to have reservations over a potential move, but Arteta might see Merino in the same light as Jorginho and Leandro Trossard - older players who can step in and raise the floor of the squad from the outset.
Merino has been linked with the Gunners for weeks, and with this latest report, it appears the player wants Arsenal. While a fee of around £25million is being reported, given his contract situation, the Gunners might look to be bang for buck with the midfielder and try to get the best deal possible.
And with Merino reportedly wanting Arsenal, coupled with his contract situation, the Gunners might get a bargain in the form of the Euro 2024 winner to bolster their midfield.
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