Mikel Merino Arsenal transfer latest - Mikel Arteta influence, bid planned, priority 'confirmed'

Arsenal were unable to lure Real Socidedad's midfield lynchpin Martin Zubimendi this summer but a new target has well and truly been found. Having courted Zubimendi for a while, the Gunners have changed tack.

Instead of pursuing the Spaniard, they are going after his club and international teammate, Mikel Merino. With just one year left on his contract at La Real and the opportunity emerging to sign him, the wheels are certainly in motion.

Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield this summer after relying so heavily on Declan Rice in a variety of positions last season. Thomas Partey is in the final year of his own deal at the Emirates Stadium whilst Jorginho is too, although on an effective rolling contract if an agreement can be reached.

With Emile Smith Rowe closing in on an exit from north London after a deal worth £35million was agreed with Fulham, there is an increased demand at Arsenal to get a new midfielder in. In the past year alone they have looked at Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana, and Bruno Guimaraes as potential options.

The latest name is Merino, who had a fine European Championship with eventual winners Spain under Luis De Lafuente's management. He only started one match in Germany - a 1-0 win over Albania in the final group game after Spain had been confirmed in first place - but went on to make a big impact, scoring the decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Here, football.london has the latest in Arsenal's attempts to snap him up.

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Merino preference

Merino himself is set on joining Arsenal if all goes to plan. It is said that he has already rejected the approaches of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with eyes only for playing under Arteta.

Merino is a player admired by the Gunners boss and sporting director Edu Gaspar with the pair keen to explore the possibilities of a deal.

No bid made

Despite their plans, Arsenal are yet to actually bid for Merino according to Fabrizio Romano. He claims that the priority was sealing a deal for Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners will hold 'formal contacts' with Merino once that deal is done, going via the player's camp first. It is expected that will cost around £25million due to his contract situation and age.

Barcelona interest

Arsenal will not have a free run at Merino, with Barcelona also interested in the former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund man. The Catalan giants have several options for the centre of the park but Merino is one of them.

Speaking of Hansi Flick's side being in the running for him, Merino said, “It’s a compliment for me, it’s positive for Real Sociedad also." The 28-year-old added: "It’s nice to hear that there’s interest. It means that Real Sociedad are doing very good things, actually."

There have been some suggestions that Barcelona will only be able to make a move for Merino if they sell Frenkie de Jong though. Atletico Madrid are also credited with interest and have been looking at new midfielders this summer including Conor Gallagher.