Arsenal have been in the hunt for a midfielder during the past few months and have now added Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino to their list of transfer targets.
Arsenal Show Interest in the Reliable Mikel Merino
Arsenal Interested in a Physical Midfielder
According to reports from The Athletic, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Merino to strengthen their midfield department. Manager Mikel Arteta is “an admirer of the former Newcastle man’s talent and physicality”
At six feet and two inches tall, the “national hero” is an all-action midfielder. He scored five goals, provided three assists, and won 56% of his duels in La Liga last season. Arteta has always emphasised the importance of winning duels to gain the upper hand during matches, and would thus love to have Merino among his options.
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The player has the experience of playing in the Premier League from his time at Newcastle United, so the pace of the English top flight shouldn’t be a big problem for him. He spent a solitary season in 2017/18 with the Magpies before joining Sociedad in the La Liga.
Why Do Arsenal Need Merino?
Arsenal are set to lose a host of midfield players this summer. In May 2024, Mohamed Elneny confirmed that he was leaving the club, whilst Albert Sambi Lokonga is on the verge of a loan move to Sevilla.
Academy product Emile Smith Rowe, who found playing time hard to come by last season, has been the subject of transfer interest from West London club Fulham. Any bid north of £30 million should be enough to convince the Gunners to sell him. This would leave them light in the midfield area.
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Meanwhile, youngster Ethan Nwaneri has hardly played in the Premier League and is expected to make the step up to the first team next season. Buying a 28-year-old will provide a good balance of youth and experience to Arsenal’s ranks.
