What sources in Spain have been saying about Arsenal signing Mikel Merino

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Upon the conclusion of Euro 2024, Arsenal are now expected to step up their summer transfer plans and table a bid for Mikel Merino.

Mikel Arteta wants to sign a midfielder this summer according to reports, and Merino has been identified by Arsenal as a number eight who can improve their eleven.

Arteta loves Merino’s physicality and perhaps sees him as a talent who would be worth returning Declan Rice to a deeper role for.

Last season Arteta eventually preferred playing Rice as an offensive player, explaining why he was able to bag seven goals and nine assists in the Premier League – his best numbers to date.

Thomas Partey was linked with an Arsenal exit this summer, which led to most believing that the club would add a six.

However, Partey looks fit and ready in pre-season, set to travel with Arteta’s squad to the US for their pre-season tour.

And with that in mind, signing an eight like Merino does appear to be the best choice.

Real Sociedad know Arsenal want Mikel Merino but they’re not alone

With a move for Merino in mind, Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has now been sharing what he’s been hearing from sources in Spain on the deal.

Watts said that Sociedad are aware of Arsenal’s interest but there are also other clubs ready to compete.

He shared: “Arsenal are interested in midfielder Mikel Merino at Real Sociedad. As far as I’m aware, however, no bid has been made, although now the Euros are done and dusted it could be one the club look to press on with at pace.

“Sources in Spain tell me that Sociedad are aware of Arsenal’s interest, but that there are also other clubs in the mix for Merino given he is set to be available at quite a nice price given he only has a year left on his contract.

“The Spain international has just turned 28, so he is a bit older than the usual profile that Arsenal go for under Mikel Arteta and Edu, but he’s got a lot of the attributes they are looking for in a new midfielder this summer.”

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta could sell £50m Arsenal player as soon as US pre-season tour is finished

Arteta will need to sell players before he signs Merino

Interestingly, when discussing Arsenal’s approach for Riccardo Calafiori reports revealed that Edu has been tasked with selling players before welcoming new signings.

Arsenal are willing to make an exception for Calafiori, but on the large they won’t sign players like Merino unless they vacate a squad position first.

Perhaps Arsenal therefore envision Emile Smith Rowe as the player who could be sold in order to sign the Spaniard.

Arsenal have just rejected a bid from Fulham for Smith Rowe, but are expected to agree to an improved offer.