Speaking on The Debrief, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that Arsenal are completely focused on recruiting Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Romano said,
“I don’t think it’s all about selling Nketiah, it’s about an opportunity they find for a new striker. At the moment I’m told that Arsenal are completely focused on Mikel Merino. Trying to complete the agreement for the Spanish midfielder to join from Real Sociedad.
“They have an agreement with the player and they are working on the deal with Real Sociedad with the deal structure.”
Merino’s Solid Run Of Form In La Liga Last Season
Merino enjoyed a decent campaign at the Spanish club after he put in a handful of impressive displays for them in La Liga. The 28-year-old scored eight times and earned five assists in 45 matches for Real Sociedad last season on all fronts.
The Spanish talent anchored the midfield relatively well as he averaged 2.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even distributed the ball accurately from midfield based on his pass success rate of 77.5% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Will Merino Be A Good Choice For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Merino loves a tackle and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when the opposition are on the offensive.
The Spain international is a tidy passer of the ball as well and did well to help his country win the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy earlier this summer. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder if told to do so.
We can expect Merino to bring more bite and steel to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s midfield department. He has what it takes to fight for regular first-team football at the Emirates Stadium in the coming years.
At 28, the Spaniard is playing some of the best football of his career and could be a real asset in Arteta’s squad next season. Hence, the Gunners would be wise to get a deal done for him this summer as he would be a good choice for them in the short term.
