Arsenal appears to be leading the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, potentially beating out Barcelona for his transfer. Barcelona might face financial hurdles that could hinder their ability to secure Merino, as they may need to sell Frenkie de Jong first.
According to a report from Sport, Merino, who has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, prefers a move to the Premier League. The report suggests Arsenal is now the frontrunner to sign Merino, given Barcelona’s financial constraints.
Merino has impressed in La Liga and during Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team, making him a prime candidate to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in defensive midfield. This comes as Thomas Partey, plagued by injuries last season, continues to age.
In his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Merino, noting competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Romano clarified that there have been no official bids yet, and Arsenal’s immediate focus remains on finalizing the Riccardo Calafiori deal.
