Arsenal to step up Mikel Merino chase

Arsenal will step up their bid to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window, according to GiveMeSport. Liverpool are trying to sign Martin Zubimendi from Sociedad, and now Arsenal plan to up their game and get a deal done for Merino.

“Arsenal are urgently looking to reach an agreement for Merino in light of Liverpool attempting to prise teammate Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad, according to GMS sources, and there is an increasing expectation that a formal offer will be lodged by the capital club in the coming days,” states the report.

The report adds: “GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal have been moving forward with their proposed move for Merino since the end of last week, with discussions due to continue with Real Sociedad on Thursday, and Arteta is convinced that his qualities on the ball will compliment Rice after prioritising making improvements in front of the backline.”

Merino has been on the books of Sociedad since 2018 when he joined from Newcastle United. The 28-year-old Spain international defensive midfielder scored five goals and gave three assists in 27 starts and five substitute appearances in La Liga last season.