What Mikel Merino’s agents have told Barcelona in phone call after Arsenal make bid to sign him

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino is heating up.

The Gunners started this summer’s transfer window really quietly. They barely did anything in June, but Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta have been very active since the turn of July.

Arsenal have turned David Raya’s loan into a permanent deal. Riccardo Calafiori has also been brought in from Bologna on a long-term contract.

The Premier League runners-up are focusing on their midfield now, and TBR Football exclusive revealed that Merino has emerged as Arsenal’s top target.

Here’s an update on the situation.

Arsenal target Mikel Merino’s agents called Barcelona and Atletico Madrid

Mikel Merino has been a target for a number of clubs this summer.

The Real Sociedad star has been one of the most consistent performers in La Liga over the years, and he had a good Euro 2024 with Spain as well.

The midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at Sociedad, and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both been interested in Merino.

However, Arsenal seem to have won the race to his signature after making a €30 million (£25.5m) bid, reports El Desmarque.

As for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, CaughtOffside have revealed that Merino’s agents made a phone call to the two historic Spanish clubs to thank them for their interest.

However, they made it clear to the two sides that their client has decided to move to Arteta’s Arsenal this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that Merino is ‘really, really, close’ to signing for Arsenal in the coming days.

Mikel Merino’s stats compared to Declan Rice

Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 and instantly became one of their best players.

The Englishman had an unbelievable debut season at the Emirates, and he played a massive part in helping the Gunners take the Premier League title race to the final day of the season.

Rice played most of last term as a number eight, but we expect Merino to be deployed in that role if he joins Arsenal in the coming weeks.

But, how do his stats compare to that of Rice?

The Arsenal number 41 created more chances, made more interceptions and had a better success rate in ground duels in the 2023/24 season. Merino, however, outshines him in other metrics.

Check out Squawka’s comparison table below!