Mikel Merino omitted from Real Sociedad squad amid Arsenal talks, they need to ‘clarify’ two things

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Arsenal are in talks with Real Sociedad over a deal for midfielder Mikel Merino, but a deal is yet to be agreed.

Mikel Arteta decided to pursue the 28-year-old to strengthen his options in the middle of the park, and Merino turned down interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona as he was keen on a move to The Emirates.

It appeared that a deal was well on the way to completion in recent weeks, but Liverpool’s shock pursuit of fellow long-term Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi meant that his price tag could end up rising.

There has now been a new development, with Merino initially returning to the Real Sociedad squad after winning Euro 2024, but he will not feature in their upcoming pre-season friendly.

Mikel Merino absent from Real Sociedad squad for upcoming friendly

Real Sociedad are set to travel to face Union Berlin as part of their pre-season plans, with the La Liga campaign kicking off next week, but Merino is not part of the travelling squad as Arsenal and Real Sociedad need to agree on the structure of a deal, and the payment terms.

“Mikel Merino has NOT been called up as Arsenal talks are still ongoing, advanced but with deal structure/payment terms to clarify,” Fabrizio Romano posted on X.

However, journalist Ryan Taylor has now claimed that Merino’s absence is fitness related, rather than directly linked to a transfer.

“Told by Real Sociedad club sources that Mikel Merino has been unable to complete past two training sessions & therefore, is not ready to play tomorrow vs Union Berlin after being left out of travelling squad. Workload is being managed & call not linked to Arsenal interest,” he posted on X.

However, given that the two clubs are in talks over a deal, it seems likely that Merino may not have played anyway.

Arsenal need to get Merino deal done soon

With just over a week until the Premier League and La Liga seasons kick off, Arsenal, Real Sociedad and Merino himself all need clarity over his future.

It seems unlikely that Merino will be able to join the Arsenal squad in time for their final pre-season friendly against Lyon, and even the opening day might come too soon.

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Arsenal face Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City away from home in their opening five games, and Arteta will hope to have Merino link up with his squad in time to feature in those games.