In a recent report, Sport stated that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. It has been claimed that the Gunners would have to rival Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race to land the Spanish talent this off-season.
Merino’s Decent Run Of Form In La Liga
Merino put in a string of impressive displays at the centre of Real Sociedad’s midfield in the previous campaign. The 28-year-old scored eight goals and grabbed five assists in 45 matches for his current employers last season on all fronts.
The Pamplona-born talent was a decent performer at both ends of the field and deserves credit for averaging 2.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in La Liga. He was even accurate when distributing possession from midfield after completing 77.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current deal at Real Sociedad will run out at the end of next season. Therefore, the Gunners could potentially land him on the cheap in this summer transfer window.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Get Merino On Board?
Merino loves a tackle and can make some important interceptions for his team in the middle of the park. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can shoot the ball well from long range.
The Spanish sensation has also got the vision to orchestrate a few inviting chances for his teammates up top and is a decent dribbler with the ball as well. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as an attacking midfielder if required.
Merino would add more quality and depth to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta‘s midfield department. He is good enough to fight for regular first-team football at the Emirates Stadium next season. At 28, the Spanish talent is playing in his prime which makes him a worthy target for the Gunners to pursue this off-season.
However, there are some concerns over whether Merino would be able to cope with the physical demands of Premier League football. Still, Arteta would be wise to try everything in his power to get him on board before the end of this summer transfer window.
