Edu Gaspar makes private attempt to secure Mikel Merino transfer amid ‘growing unease’ over Arsenal deal

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Arsenal are now stepping up their pursuit of Mikel Merino.

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his midfield contingent in this summer transfer window. 

Whilst Declan Rice is a lynchpin for Arsenal in the middle of the park, he needs more support. For a start, the former West Ham United man has shown that he can shine in the more advanced left-eight midfield role, so Arteta won’t always want him screening the back four at the base of the midfield. 

On top of that, Jorginho has started to decline. The Italian veteran looked off the pace in pre-season, and whilst there is a chance that he could just be lacking the kind of match sharpness that will naturally come in due course, the Gunners can’t afford to be overly reliant upon him this season. 

Equally, the manager can’t rely upon Thomas Partey to remain fit and available for any extended period given the Ghanaian’s injury record. As such, reinforcements are needed in this part of the pitch and Mikel Merino is the Gunners’ top target for the vacancy. 

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Edu strikes up private Mikel Merino transfer talks

Arsenal have not met Merino’s asking price yet, but there is confidence that the deal will get done. Real Sociedad are not against selling the midfielder, they simply want to see their demands met. 

However, all parties involved now want the transfer to be wrapped up quickly. As such, Arsenal sporting director Edu is now taking more direct action. 

As reported by Spanish publication Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Edu recently visited Merino to reassure him that the Gunners are still keen to secure his services, despite the fact that negotiations between the two clubs have been laboured. 

These private talks were necessary amid “growing unease” about the fact that Arsenal are yet to formally begin work on finalising negotiations and striking an acceptable deal, despite the fact that both the North London outfit and Real Sociedad are assuming that an agreement exists to be reached.

What Merino will bring to Arsenal?

It is easy to see why Arteta admires the Euro 2024 winner. Not only would the 28-year-old be able to slot into the No. 6 role in place of Rice at times, but he would also perhaps be more comfortable operating further up the pitch, alongside his former Real Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard.

In this role, he could have a devastating impact in the final third. Merino is a master in the air, and an expert in winning his duels. Therefore, not only is he a comfortable passer of the ball and able to read the game, but he can help Arsenal to win possession back high up the pitch and then offer a goal threat himself.