Why Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino could fall through

Mikel Merino age is being privately discussed as a potential concern as Arsenal consider a move for the Euro 2024 winner.

The Real Sociedad star, who played a key role in Spain’s triumph this summer, is on Arsenal’s radar as they plan their summer recruitment.

Having previously been with Newcastle, Merino would add depth to Arsenal’s midfield as they aim for Premier League glory.

However, pursuing the 28-year-old represents a shift from the club’s usual transfer strategy, leading to some internal doubts, according to football.london.

Arsenal have typically focused on younger players to build for the long term.

Players like Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz have been signed with a long-term vision in mind, while Merino, being in his peak years, has raised concerns among some members of the hierarchy.

The Spaniard is one of several players who shone at this summer’s major tournament and could be on the move as a result.

Dani Olmo and Nico Williams are heavily linked with top clubs across Europe, and Merino’s former Sociedad teammate Robin Le Normand has just joined Atletico Madrid.

Merino showcased his box-to-box ability at Euro 2024, scoring a dramatic 120th-minute goal to eliminate Germany in the quarter-finals.

Although he was often used as a substitute, he made significant contributions to his La Liga team’s success in last season’s Champions League.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay told Mundo Deportivo: “We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August.

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“We will try to make the team come out stronger.

“I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ – and then leave.

“I would like him not to leave.

“If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see.

“We are not negotiating with any club now.

“We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them.

“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully, his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay.”

This summer, Arsenal has already welcomed a significant arrival in the form of Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian joined from Bologna after representing the Azzurri at the Euros.

At 22 years old, he fits the profile of the type of signing the club has tended to make under Arteta.

Read more: Premier League club in talks with Liverpool over move for Fabio Carvalho

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