Arsenal may not be able to sign Mikel Merino if they don’t sell their ‘unbelievable’ player

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The Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer saga has dragged on for several weeks now.

The Gunners have been trying to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder since Spain won Euro 2024 in Germany. Merino is Arsenal’s top midfield target this summer.

Despite the clear interest, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have not been able to strike a deal yet. Real Sociedad rejected Arsenal’s first offer for Merino and are holding out for more money.

Now, if Ben Jacobs’ report on GiveMeSport is to be believed, there could be another problem for Arsenal.

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino deal depends on Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah wants to leave Arsenal this summer, and the Gunners are ready to sell him too.

The Englishman is behind Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard in the pecking order at the Emirates, and that is unlikely to change.

A move away is the best thing for all parties involved, and the striker has been attracting a lot of interest from England and abroad.

Marseille had multiple bids rejected for Nketiah by Arsenal. Bournemouth also wanted the Englishman, but they have decided to sign Evanilson from Porto instead.

However, as things stand, Arsenal are not close to selling the ‘unbelievable‘ striker this summer, and that seems to be affecting their plans.

Jacobs reveals in his report that ‘Merino’s arrival is likely to depend on Nketiah’s departure’ this summer as both players have a similar price tag.

That suggests that Arsenal may not be able to sign Merino if they fail to offload their number 14, which would be a huge blow.

READ MORE: What Arsenal chief Edu Gasper has told Mikel Merino behind the scenes in private meeting

Three Premier League clubs still want Nketiah

Marseille and Bournemouth opting for different options is definitely a blow for Arsenal, but all hope is not lost yet in this window.

Nketiah is a popular name on many clubs’ wish lists, and there could still be some movement within the Premier League before the transfer window shuts in two weeks’ time.

Reports have claimed that Everton are big admirers of Nketiah and could make a move to sign him. Crystal Palace are also interested in signing him this summer (Football London).

Late on Thursday, Sky Sports revealed that Nottingham Forest are also in the race to sign the Arsenal number 14 in the coming days.

There are still plenty of options for Arsenal and Nketiah, but it remains to be seen if any of the above clubs will meet Edu’s demands.