Fabrizio Romano has provided another update on the Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer saga, insisting that the Real Sociedad is only waiting to join the Gunners.
Speaking to The Debrief Podcast, Romano answered a variety of questions on the current state of the transfer market, and made it clear that Merino’s future and a potential move to Arsenal does not seem to be in any way connected to what Martin Zubimendi does.
Since recording, it has transpired that Zubimendi won’t be joining Liverpool, but Romano spoke about how it likely wouldn’t have had any effect on the Merino to Arsenal saga anyway.
One issue for Sociedad on Merino is that he’s in the final year of his contract, so that means selling him now makes obvious sense financially, or they would likely lose him on a free in a year’s time.
Arsenal fans will no doubt hope this can all be resolved quickly as this saga has dragged on slightly, but the new season is now just a few days away and Mikel Arteta surely needs more depth in that defensive midfield role after an injury-hit campaign for the ageing Thomas Partey last term.
Merino transfer update from Fabrizio Romano
Discussing Merino’s potential move to Arsenal, Romano said: “I think the point is if the two clubs can reach an agreement on the payment terms and deal structure, because even the value of the deal is already clear, it’s going to be slightly above €25m.
“So this is what Arsenal will pay for Merino – but the problem for Real Sociedad is that Merino is not extending his contract, at least as of today. His desire is to go to Arsenal, he’s only waiting for Arsenal, and so I don’t think Zubimendi future will impact Merino.
“This is the feeling also at Real Sociedad they have, because they would face the risk to lose the player on a free … and that would be a big problem for a club like Real Sociedad.”
Arteta and Edu are reluctantly trying to buy players this summer transfer season. That was how it took them almost two months to get Caliofiori ‘s deal over the line. If they think Partey can or will stay fit throughout the season, then they are jokers. This deal for Merino ought to have been completed in three days if they were really serious. Also, a top Striker is needed otherwise what happened last season will still repeat itself…
Why overpay if we think we can get him for our valuation? I think they’re clearly trying to save money for a big name winger/striker.
I agree inorder for arsenal to compete for the premier League trophy this season, they need to get a top striker who can score more than twenty goals a season and also get Merino’s deal over the line and then Saka needs a rest
Don’t think they are reluctant; Arsenal will only pick a player if they are convinced he can improve the team and integrate the group mentality and playing style, furthermore they will rarely go above their valuation of the player as we’ve seen in The mudryk, caicedo or Douglas Luiz attempt. They don’t get into the hijacking game or signing a player for the sake of signing a player.
Mikel Aretha never won anything as a player,so don’t expect any premier trophy from him .edu and Arteta we’re all below average players in their time
Let me guess: Spurs supporter! FYI arteta already won the FA cup as Arsenal manager
This one is more complicated than it appears. We do need to bolster our midfield but the question is, do we need 3 holding midfielders. If Partey isn’t sold, having Merino and Jorginho might not turn out good. I believe Arsenal want to clarify Partey’s issue before Merino comes on board
By now I expected Arsenal to have wrapped up all deals about player buys. Why still talking about midfield and no mention of attacker or striker? I think Edu and Arteta have become complacent, they are carried away by last season’s performance, hoping they can get lucky with the attack line the way it is. This is misleading I hope the realise soon.
I think Arsenal have mediocrity in their negotiations. It’s not about getting the best price because Liverpool, Villa and other clubs don’t overspend but their deals don’t create spectacle like arsenal. Quick and fast but at a good price too. Arsenal need top negotiators because a want away Merino is no tough deal. After that, backup for Saka is most important preferably ambidextrous and cheap like Mitoma. He could also play on the other side as well. A backup doesn’t need to be expensive.
I think Arsenal have mediocrity in their negotiations. It’s not about getting the best price because Liverpool, Villa and other clubs don’t overspend but their deals don’t create spectacle like arsenal. Quick and fast but at a good price too. Arsenal need top negotiators because a want away Merino is no tough deal. After that, backup for Saka is most important preferably ambidextrous and cheap like Mitoma. He could also play on the other side as well. A backup doesn’t need to be expensive
The Arsenal Board Edu and Aretha are Happy with being an also ran club. Spurs , Chelsea and even Man Utd don’t seem to have any problems getting players to sign. Arsenal’s problem is they try to sell players at inflated prices and buy players with magic beans.
Well i think the arsenal board needs to stop delaying time on player negotiation, i wonder how we spent less time selling players than buying, we’ve been on merino for months but nothing seems to happen, arsenal board have been biding for neto since about three summers, nothing happened but chelsea came through this summer and triggered his realease clause