Arsenal are looking to improve their midfield options with the signing of Mikel Merino.
According to Football Insider, they are now confident of securing a deal to sign the former Newcastle United midfielder. They are expected to miss out on Martin Zubimendi, who could be heading to Liverpool instead.
Merino is in the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad and the Spanish club are under pressure to cash in on him. They will not want to lose him on a free transfer next year.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can wrap up the transfer quickly. There have been suggestions that Martin Zubimendi’s exit could affect Merino’s future and Real Sociedad might not be willing to sanction the departure of two key midfielders in one window. However, Football Insider claims that they are open to selling both players for the right price.
![Mikel Merino](https://icdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Merino-v-Inter.jpg)
Arsenal could use Mikel Merino
Arsenal need someone who can control the tempo of the game from the deep and defensive cover to the side. Merino would be the ideal acquisition and he could form a quality partnership with Declan Rice in the upcoming campaign.
The midfielder is at the peak of his powers and he will look to make an instant impact in the Premier League if he joins Arsenal. They have a proven track record of pushing for trophies regularly and Merino will certainly fancy his chances of winning major trophies with the London club.
The midfielder has played in England before with Newcastle and he knows the league well. He should be able to settle in quickly and transform Arsenal in the middle of the park. Jorginho is in his twilight years and Thomas Partey has had his fair share of injury problems. It is imperative that Arsenal sign a quality midfielder this summer and Merino certainly fits the profile.