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Real Sociedad president provides update on Mikel Merino to Arsenal
- Jokin Aperribay confirmed deal not yet struck between Arsenal and Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino
- Sociedad said to be holding out for fee in region of £30m
- Merino wants Arsenal move
Arsenal supporters are still waiting for the club to make their third signing of the summer having secured the permanent arrival of David Raya and signing of Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori.
After wrapping up a deal for Calafiori in the region of £42m, the Gunners pivoted to bolstering their midfield with 28-year-old Mikel Merino identified as their priority target. The former Newcastle midfielder has been a model of consistency in La Liga with Real Sociedad, with the Spaniard's capacity to win duels combined with his technical proficiency and versatility rendering him an attractive proposition for Mikel Arteta.
Merino appeared in every game at Euro 2024 for winners Spain, scoring a crucial late header in their quarter-final triumph over Germany. With just a year left on his Sociedad deal, the imposing operator is expected to depart San Sebastian before the end of the summer window, but Arsenal are yet to break through in negotiations.
Real Sociedad president provides update on Mikel Merino to Arsenal
Merino's desire to join Arsenal combined with his contract situation led many to believe that this would be a pretty simple deal to pull off. However, that has not been the case.
They may not have much leverage, but Sociedad are not going to sell until the Gunners match their valuation of the 28-year-old who plays such an important role for Imanol Alguacil's side. The club's president, Jokin Aperribay, confirmed they will not sell Merino until Arsenal send a "good" offer for the Spaniard.
“We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of Real Sociedad," Aperribay has said. “When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes."
The Gunners are believed to have had a £25m bid rejected, with Sociedad said to be holding out for a fee closer to £30m. Merino was absent from the Sociedad squad on Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 La Liga season as Imanol's side fell to a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Rayo Vallecano.
It'd be remarkable if Arsenal aren't able to get this one over the line. The saga has reached 'incredibly dull' status, with supporters desperate for the club to draft Merino in as soon as possible so the club's attentions can turn to the addition of another attacker before the end of the summer window.
Or perhaps the club are performing their due diligence on the Ilkay Gundogan situation. We can only hope and dream!
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