Arsenal are believed to be admirers of a £160,000-per-week midfield alternative to the heavily-linked Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is especially keen.
Widespread reports from both England and Spain have claimed that the north Londoners have their eyes on Merino to upgrade Arteta’s midfield, coming after the departure of Mohamed Elneny on a free and amid the uncertain future of Thomas Partey.
The Gunners could reunite their captain with a former teammate.
The club sought to extend Jorginho’s contract by an additional year to provide Arteta with a Declan Rice partner for 2024/2025, but another capable body is needed in that area as Arsenal look to challenge Man City in another Premier League title race.
Merino, who could be available for as little as £20 million with his Sociedad contract expiring next year, has emerged as a key midfield target. Sam Dean of The Telegraph backs that Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Merino in the coming weeks, with the 28-year-old fresh off the back of an excellent Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.
The former Newcastle United midfielder scored the winner against hosts Germany in their 2-1 quarter-final and played a key role in their run to glory at the expense of England last Sunday.
