Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Mikel Merino.
Arsenal have been chasing a deal for Mikel Merino for some time.
Mikel Arteta is clearly keen to add the Euro 2024 winner to his ranks at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are certainly in need of midfield reinforcement.
Jorginho is a player in decline, and Thomas Partey’s injury record is a persistent cause for concern. The Ghanaian cannot be relied upon to remain fit for an extended period, and as Jorginho can no longer start games week in, week out, there is excessive pressure on Declan Rice.
Merino could ease the burden on the former West Ham United man. The Real Sociedad star can, like Rice, play at the base of the midfield and in a more advanced No. 8 role.
This means that he and Rice would be able to both cover one another as rotation options, and share the pitch as a partnership in the middle of the park.
Merino is a masterful duel winner, particularly in the air, which will further endear him to Arteta. The 28-year-old would add physicality to the spine of this Arsenal team, and also offer an extra goal threat in set-piece situations.
Arsenal are close to signing Merino, or at least that was believed to be the case. However, Real Sociedad have now thrown a spanner into the works.
Arsenal bid for Mikel Merino rejected
Arsenal were expecting to pay £30 million for Merino. It would seem, though, that the player’s price has recently been inflated.
According to Cope, Real Sociedad have rejected the Gunners’ latest bid for Merino, and have set a new price tag of €40 million – which equates to around £34 million – putting the Spain international’s “dream” of a move to North London at risk.
It remains to be seen how the Gunners will respond to this development, but they do have options to consider.
What will Arsenal do after Merino blow?
The first solution would be to meet the La Liga club’s new asking price. Though, the Gunners could always run the risk of standing firm on their original offer.
Merino is going to be out of contract next summer, and has no interest in penning a new deal with Real Sociedad. The closer we get to the transfer deadline, the more worried the Spanish club will become about losing him for free a year from now. This could lead to them dropping their asking price again. If they don’t, though, then Arsenal may miss out altogether.
Alternatively, the Gunners could pivot to another target. Ilkay Gundogan is now available to Arsenal, and was wanted by Arteta in the past. Real Sociedad’s latest move could prompt Arsenal to rekindle their interest in the German veteran.
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