Mikel Merino is ‘unlikely’ to be a part of Real Sociedad’s squad for the clash with Rayo Vallecano this weekend, with him determined to sign for Arsenal.
That’s according to El Desmarque, who report that while the resolution to Arsenal’s drawn-out pursuit of the midfielder is taking longer than everyone would like, he’s likely to find himself on the sidelines.
According to the outlet, Merino has made it clear he wants to join Arsenal and Real Sociedad are getting used to the idea that they’ll be losing him.
Manager Imanol Alguacil is already not counting on the midfielder moving forwards, which means it is unlikely that he’ll be a part of the squad taking on Rayo in La Liga this weekend.
Talks between Arsenal and Real Sociedad are continuing, with Sociedad looking for another €10m to be added to the figure Arsenal are offering.
The Gunners are yet to increase their bid and so the matter is at a standstill, even with Merino making his stance perfectly clear for everyone.
His decision to do so makes it hard for him to be in the squad for the weekend, and perhaps provides a positive stance for the Gunners.
Players often left out of squads if transfers are close to being done to avoid any risks and Merino’s absence could certainly be seen as that here too, even if it’s being presented as something else.
