Real Sociedad now want £25m Arteta target to replace Mikel Merino amid Arsenal interest

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen on the Spaniard.

Merino wrote himself into history at Euro 2024 as he netted a last-minute winner against Germany en route to Spain winning the tournament.

Arsenal are now interested in the 28-year-old to help bolster the midfield, with it believed that his physical and technical qualities make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s side.

Merino is not the first midfielder to be linked with Arsenal this summer, as a whole host of options have been explored, including his teammate Martin Zubimendi.

One other option on Arteta’s radar is now being targeted by Real Sociedad to replace Merino, in anticipation of Arsenal potentially beating the competition to land the midfielder.

Real Sociedad want Javi Guerra to replace Arsenal target Mikel Merino

Spanish outlet El Desmarque has now reported that Real Sociedad are interested in Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, as a replacement for Merino should he go to Arsenal.

It is claimed that Merino’s departure is “getting closer,” and that La Real have identified Guerra as his ideal replacement given his profile and age.

This makes a lot of sense, as Guerra is also on Arteta’s radar. It was reported in recent months that Arsenal have been eyeing up Guerra, who could cost up to £25m, as a possible addition in midfield.

Should Arsenal target Javi Guerra instead of Mikel Merino?

Guerra has been outstanding for Valencia, and as a tall central midfielder who is strong in the duel, he represents a similar profile to Merino.

At 21, Guerra is nowhere near as refined as Merino in his prime years, and does not carry the same experience in European competition and on the International stage.

Whilst Guerra may be the better long-term addition, Merino would provide the injection of quality which is needed this summer into the Arsenal midfield, and for now at least, he should be prioritised by Arteta, but the club may continue to keep an eye on Guerra’s progress if he does move to replace Merino.