The Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer saga is getting a bit tense for both parties.
The Gunners are desperate to reinforce their midfield after strengthening their backline. David Raya has been signed permanently after his successful loan spell and Riccardo Calafiori has been brought in as well.
A new midfielder is now the priority for Mikel Arteta, and TBR Football exclusively revealed in July that Merino has emerged as Arsenal’s top target.
All signs pointed towards Merino moving to the Emirates, but recent developments have led to some nervousness in both camps.
Mikel Merino and Arsenal have become ‘very nervous’
Signing Merino seemed like a straightforward deal for Arsenal.
The Spaniard has entered the final year of his contract at Real Sociedad and after it became clear that he doesn’t want to sign a new deal, they want to cash in on him.
To add to that, Merino only wants to join Arsenal as well, which made it seem like this was an easy deal for Edu and Arteta to complete.
However, there is some jeopardy now.
Liverpool are pushing to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and that has led to fears that the Spanish club could close the door for Merino’s exit.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa has revealed that both Merino and Arsenal are now ‘very nervous’ with this development ‘overnight’.
That’s why the Gunners do not ‘want to wait any longer’ and have decided to ‘formalise a firm proposal’ to send to Sociedad in the coming days.
Arsenal know exactly what to do now
Arsenal usually like to take their time to get the best deal possible in the market. We saw that with Riccardo Calafiori – negotiations dragged on for about a month.
The interest in Merino has been there for a long time as well, and the Gunners have been relaxed because they know the player wants to join them.
However, with Liverpool pushing for Merino’s midfield partner, Arsenal have realised that they cannot delay things anymore.
Edu knows time is of the essence now, and if he really wants to sign Merino, an offer has to reach Real Sociedad’s table as soon as possible.
If Liverpool strike a deal or trigger Zubimendi’s release clause before Arsenal make their move, things could get complicated.
