With conversations going during the summer, Arsenal keeps working hard for the acquisition of Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino. The Gunners and the Spanish midfielder already have personal terms decided upon. Now the emphasis is on developing an appropriate payment plan to get Merino to the Emirates.
Although Merino has also attracted attention from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, the midfielder has made it plain that he wants to join Arsenal. This helps the London team negotiate with more advantage. Though Merino’s release clause is set at €60 million, Arsenal is aiming to get him for a price of around €25 million.
Arsenal Are Now Negotiating With The €52m Player
28-year-old Merino offers Arsenal’s midfield a well-rounded skill set that would be much valued. Merino might be the ideal match for the Premier League with his aerial power, unrelenting work rate, and ability to help goals. Underlining his defensive skills, last season he ranked first among duels won in Europe’s top-five leagues and averaged almost six recoveries per game.
Merino might play a position at Arsenal where Declan Rice could concentrate more on defensive responsibilities. Although both players might be utilized together should Havertz be pushed forward, his presence also brings the possibility of rivalry with Kai Havertz for a midfield position.
Mikel Arteta will surely love the choice conundrum Merino’s signing would provide. If Arsenal is serious about contesting Manchester City for the Premier League championship this season, depth and talent are absolutely vital. Including Merino into the team together with new addition Riccardo Calafiori would increase Arsenal’s chances of reaching the distance.
All things considered, Arsenal’s search for Merino shows their will to improve the team even further. The Gunners need every advantage they can get to overthrow Manchester City, hence this is a wise action. Along with adding talent, the acquisition would provide much-needed depth for competition on all fronts.
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Arsenal’s summer acquisition window has not exactly been exciting, and now they seem to be passing on a player who was keen to join them. Mikel Arteta eventually signed Riccardo Calafiori a few weeks ago, but the Gunners are still looking for their next major acquisition.
Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad appears most likely to join Arsenal next. Still, another player won’t be donning the red and white this season, despite his want to play under Arteta. Arsenal looks to be concentrating more on Merino, particularly since Liverpool’s declared strong interest in his colleague Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners’ quest of Merino may become complicated by Liverpool’s advance for Zubimendi.
Arsenal should focus on bolstering their offense with Calafiori in the bag and Merino maybe on route. They have now chosen, however, to distance themselves from a bargain that may have greatly strengthened their front line. Though Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen is interested in joining Arsenal, sources state the team has dropped out of the battle to recruit him.
Arsenal supporters still find new resonance in the challenges of Gabriel Jesus last season. With only four Premier League goals, his performance was unsatisfactory, particularly since Arsenal lost the championship by just two points. With his 15 goals and four assists in Serie A last season, Osimhen may have been the difference Arsenal needed.
