Arsenal ‘not afraid’ to sign major Barcelona target after £39m transfer precedent set

Arsenal are interested in Mikel Merino

After demonstrating that experienced players can perform miracles for the Premier League team, Arsenal will not be apprehensive about the shortened shelf life that Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino brings.

Arsenal has been monitoring Merino’s transfer status for several weeks; however, his performances for Spain at Euro 2024 have caused him to confront increased competition.

Despite the fact that the 6ft 2in midfielder made seven appearances at the tournament in which his nation emerged victorious, the Sociedad star was regularly substituted for Luis de la Fuente’s team.

Although his performance has piqued the interest of La Liga’s most prominent clubs, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the Gunners are believed to be in a prime position to acquire the 28-year-old.

Despite the fact that the midfield of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Jorginho appeared to be stable last season, manager Mikel Arteta requires additional depth in order to unseat Premier League champions Manchester City.

While Pep Guardiola’s biggest stars have regularly produced when it matters, having that extra quality off the bench has helped them win the biggest titles, too.

But last season, Arsenal – whose sole signing this summer was turning goalkeeper David Raya’s loan move into a permanent deal – needed Rice and Odegaard to play 51 and 48 games respectively, while Jorginho racked up 36 appearances of his own – and that may have taken its toll in the end.

While Merino is a similar player to Rice, and would not sit behind him as Italian international Jorginho does, using them as a double pivot could give Arsenal more variety and allow Arteta to shuffle his pack more.

Although the Gunners manager has frequently spoken about how youthful his squad is, having that extra know-how is key to getting over the line and winning trophies.

Despite being unable to do that in recent seasons, very few would argue 29-year-old Trossard – a £27m signing from Brighton in January 2023 – and 32-year-old Jorginho – a £12m recruit from Chelsea later that month – have not been shrewd signings.

In 68 matches, the Belgian international has scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists. Jorginho has given Arsenal’s midfield a bit more stability, enabling Rice to have a more significant influence on matches.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has now confirmed that Arsenal is contemplating a transfer for the Sociedad talisman, who is currently in the final year of his contract with the La Liga team.

The former Newcastle United player, who scored eight goals and provided five assists in 45 matches last term, is expected to be a valuable acquisition, although no contact has been established between the two teams, he adds.

Arsenal is prepared to make another “smart” acquisition.

He disclosed to Givemesport that Arsenal is contemplating the acquisition of Mikel Merino; however, there is currently no communication between the two clubs. Merino will be available at a fair price due to the fact that he is in the final year of his Real Sociedad contract.

“Arsenal are not averse to purchasing players who are slightly older or adding players who may not remain for more than two to three seasons.” Jorginho is an illustration of this, and he has demonstrated that he was a wise acquisition.

Merino may be available for purchase this summer for as little as £20m, according to The Telegraph. However, reports in Spain indicate that a prospective buyer may be required to pay a minimum of £30m for the Spain international.

Interestingly, TEAMtalk sources indicate that Arteta is a fan of the former Borussia Dortmund player and would be pleased to have him at the Emirates next season.