Real Sociedad president sends message to Arsenal regarding Mikel Merino's transfer

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has revealed that the club is committed to maintaining Mikel Merino, despite Arsenal's interest in signing the midfielder this summer. Arsenal is looking to strengthen further after acquiring Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, and Merino is said to be at the top of the Gunners' Wishlist, with Mikel Arteta's side looking for midfield reinforcements.

Merino scored seven goals and four assists for Sociedad in an eye-catching season last year, and he was instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, scoring a thrilling last-gasp winner against Germany in the quarterfinals.

Arteta hopes Merino's expertise will help them win the Premier League in the following season. At the same time, this strategy enables him to develop talented young midfielders like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly for the future. In the middle of the pitch, he hopes to form a combination with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. He will be an asset to Arsenal.

Despite growing interest from other teams, Real Sociedad is eager to keep Mikel Merino. The club has previously given the midfielder a new contract in the hopes of convincing him to continue in San Sebastian, but the player has shown no interest in signing. The decision for Sociedad to either cash in on their best asset this summer or risk losing Merino to a free transfer in a year is due this summer as he enters the last year of his contract in San Sebastian.

Barcelona is interested in signing Mikel Merino

Barcelona has also shown a great deal of interest in Merino; but, according to recent reports from Spain, the Catalan powerhouses have given up on Arsenal in their competition for the 28-year-old. Barcelona's transfer problems give Arsenal a far better chance of signing Merino, although they are leaving all options open. Arteta also likes Fabian Ruiz, who can change clubs this summer after playing a key part for Spain in their successful Euro 2024 campaign.