Reports say Arteta has identified Mikel Merino as his secret cut-price midfielder?

Barcelona face competition from Arsenal in their pursuit of Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino. Monday's edition of Sport confirms the claim and provides the latest information on Arsenal's efforts to sign the midfielder. Merino's contract runs until 2025, but he does not want to sign an extension. Therefore, Real Sociedad believes that all roads lead to a transfer of around 25 million euros.

Merino hinted he would make a decision about his future after the end of the Euros: “The next step has to come from within, from me, from analyzing myself, from seeing what player I am now, where I am and where I want to go. And what is the way to do it. Now, at the level of football, I still have one year left at Real and I'm in the best possible place to live and grow. he told Relevo.

“Rumors are something I don't give importance to because I believe a euro is the most important thing you can deal with and requires 100% of your attention. So when the Euro is over and the days go by, I will meet the club and my representative, to see what they have to tell me and what they don't say, and we'll see.

“You never know where football can take you, and I am ready to continue my career wherever my heart and mind take me.”

Merino has attracted interest from Barca and Arsenal, among others. However, Mikel Arteta's proactive approach could give the Gunners an advantage. Arteta is leading the interest and is said to have already communicated the “big plans” he has for Merino, which has “wooed” the player.

Merino's journey from an overlooked spell at Newcastle to becoming a sought-after talent in Spain highlights a remarkable turnaround. His consistent performances for Real Sociedad have not only made him a mainstay of the Spanish national team under Luis de la Fuente, but have also attracted interest from clubs across Europe. Arteta is said to be willing to sign his compatriot for Arsenal “no matter what”, ensuring the midfielder has the “absolute trust” of the manager.

Merino spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle United before joining Real Sociedad, where he has become a highly regarded player over the past six years. At 27, Merino has become a cornerstone in La Liga, attracting the attention of big clubs like Manchester United.

The midfielder's career began at Osasuna, leading to a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016. After a brief spell in Germany, Merino joined Newcastle on loan in 2017, with the deal becoming permanent for around £6 million. However, he soon moved to Real Sociedad, where he has thrived ever since.

Real Sociedad's €25 million valuation is affordable for Arsenal, making the transfer feasible. Merino's past experience in England and his development in Spain make him a prime target for Arteta as he looks to strengthen his midfield options.

Arsenal have a good relationship with Sociedad, with Tierney having spent last season with them, and it's also worth remembering that Martin Odegaard also spent a season playing alongside the midfielder, so he should be able to give Arteta his opinion on his character.

I'm sure Edu and Arteta will make the right decision whatever happens…

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