£21m player is likely to sign a new contract rather than join Arsenal

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Arsenal have been linked with a number of midfielders heading into this summer transfer window.

The likes of Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes have been named as potential targets, as has another Real Sociedad player.

Indeed, Mikel Merino is also said to be a target for Arsenal this summer, but, unfortunately, that deal doesn’t sound as though it’s going to happen.

Speaking on the Arsecast, James McNicholas has been discussing Arsenal’s links to Merino, and he says that based on conversations he’s had, he expects the midfielder to stay at Real Sociedad and sign a new contract rather than joining Arsenal.

Mikel Merino set to sign new contract

McNicholas spoke about the £21m man’s plans, claiming that he’s set to sign a new deal.

“Interesting player, he plays for Sociedad. It didn’t work for him at Newcastle. He’s 28. I think the expectation from the conversations I have had is that he will sign a new contract and he will stay with Sociedad,” McNicholas said.

“It’s a good time for Real Sociedad and he enjoys playing there. I don’t doubt doubt that he’s a player Mikel Arteta will have watched plenty of.

“He’s very physical, but at present he’s more inclined to stay at Sociedad than be a squad player in England,”

Real Sociedad doing a great job

Real Sociedad look set to keep Merino this summer, and they also seem to be on track to keep hold of Martin Zubimendi too.

As frustrating as that is for Arsenal, it has to be said that the Basque outfit are doing a fantastic job of keeping their key players.

With no Champions League football on offer next season, you may have expected Sociedad to lose some of their star men, but, by the sounds of things, the Spanish outfit will be able to keep hold of their two star midfielders.