In keeping with AS (through SportWitness), Actual Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino could be delighted to signal for Arsenal after turning down curiosity from Atletico Madrid this summer time.
The Gunners are at the moment centered on signing a midfielder and Merino is the primary goal. Private phrases have already been agreed on a long-term deal and the membership are discussing a cost construction with Sociedad.
AS now declare that Merino could be ‘delighted’ to make the change to the Gunners. He reportedly has a ‘thorn in his facet’ from his time at Newcastle United. The Spaniard spent simply 1 season with the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta’s facet should pay round £26 million to signal the previous Premier League man. Atletico are additionally admirers of Merino, however the 28-year-old has snubbed the chance to affix them this summer time.
Matter of time
Merino had a solitary season with the Magpies within the Premier League in 2017/18. He confirmed glimpses of his potential on the Tyneside outfit, however made the choice to return to the Spanish top-flight with Sociedad.
The Spaniard has since been a key participant for the La Liga outfit. He has been sensible from the quantity eight function the place he has impressed along with his sturdy defensive abilities in addition to his objective contributions.
Merino received probably the most variety of duels in Europe’s top-5 league final time period, however he was additionally spectacular within the last third with 8 targets and 5 assists. He could be a strong acquisition for Arsenal with out an enormous outlay.
With private phrases agreed, it could possibly be a matter of time earlier than Sociedad sanction his exit. Merino, who has been hailed as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, could possibly be used as a rotational participant by the Gunners.
He may begin the large video games the place the Gunners could require extra solidity in entrance of the backline. Merino has traits just like Granit Xhaka and will present worth for cash as he’s within the peak section of his profession.
