In a recent report, journalist Steve Kay claimed that Arsenal are in talks to land Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. It has been stated that the Gunners are eyeing a €25m move to secure the services of the Spanish talent this off-season.
Merino’s Decent Run Of Form In La Liga Last Season
The 28-year-old had a solid campaign at the Spanish club as he put in a series of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad last season, finding the back of the net eight times and earning five assists in all competitions.
The Spanish talent anchored the midfield with conviction and deserves credit for averaging 2.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game in La Liga football. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from inside his half after making 77.5% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Spanish club will run out at the end of next season. Thus, Arsenal would be wise to try and arrange a cut-price move for him this summer.
What Will Merino Add To Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Team?
Merino loves a tackle and can offer decent protection for his teammates at the back when he is playing well on the field. He can sense the danger well to earn possession back for his team in the middle of the park and usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the front foot. The Spanish sensation is a good passer of the ball as well and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield.
We can expect Merino to add more bite and steel to Arsenal‘s midfield department. He is more than capable of fighting for a regular starting spot in Mikel Arteta‘s first team next season.
At 28, Merino is playing in his prime and could help the Gunners challenge for some major trophies over the next few years. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting him, so Arteta would be wise to go all out to sign him this off-season.
