In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino wants to join Arsenal this summer. It has been claimed that the Gunners have a verbal agreement in place to sign the Spain international this off-season.
Merino’s Good Run Of Form In La Liga Last Season
Merino had a decent campaign at the Spanish club recently as he put in a string of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The Spanish midfield ace made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad last season, scoring eight times and picking up five assists across all fronts.
The 28-year-old was a capable presence in the middle of the park based on his average of 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 has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 77.5% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Spanish club will expire at the end of next season which could give Arsenal a chance to land him on the cheap later this year.
Is Merino A Good Choice For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Merino is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure possession back for his team in midfield. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can strike the ball with power from long range.
The Spanish sensation has got the vision to create the odd chance for others around him and is a good dribbler with the ball. However, he might need some time to adapt to the physical style and high intensity of the Premier League if Arsenal manage to snap him up this summer.
We can expect Merino to add more quality and depth to Mikel Arteta‘s midfield department. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team football at the North London club in the coming years.
At 28, Merino is playing in his prime which makes him a great choice for the Gunners to pursue in this summer transfer window. However, Arteta would have to be patient with his progress before he can unlock the best out of the talented midfielder in the future.
