Despite Mikel Merino’s age difference from the players the club primarily targets for recruitment, reports suggest that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to disregard the club’s transfer strategy and pursue the midfielder from Spain.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are showing interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder Merino, but the Gunners are the front-runners to sign him this summer.
Over the last six seasons, the Spain international has been a vital member of the La Liga team, but he may leave during the current transfer window.
TEAMtalk claims that Arsenal are focusing on signing Merino this summer.
Merino may be an exception to the Gunners’ usual policy of signing players under the age of 25.
Although the Spaniard just turned 28, Arteta seems to have persuaded the Arsenal board to defy their transfer regulations.
During Euro 2024, the 28-year-old midfielder scored Spain’s winning goal against Germany in the 119th minute in the quarterfinal.
After Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi made it clear that he is not leaving San Sebastian, Arteta’s team shifted their attention to Merino.
The London giants have a potent midfield combination in their starting lineup right now but their bench is still devoid of talent and competition.
Merino’s performance at the summer’s Euros is said to have caught Arsenal’s attention.
Arsenal will be busy in the summer transfer window
A defender, wide player, attacker, and central midfielder are among the players the Premier League club are reportedly considering to sign this summer.
The Gunners are set to back their manager again so that he can challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title and finally beat them to it next season.
Arteta has shown he can take Arsenal back to the top with his management and tactical decisions improving the over all level of the club on and off the pitch.
He has challenged Man City for the last two seasons and failed on both occasions but with every passing season, he is getting closer to topple their dominance.