Mikel Merino demands made clear to Arsenal by Real Sociedad
Mikel Merino wants to join Arsenal this summer
Real Sociedad have maintained that Arsenal must meet their valuation of Mikel Merino, stating firmly that they will not lower their asking price.
Merino has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top target following the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori.
The midfielder was omitted from the Sociedad squad for their 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in their opening La Liga fixture.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay addressed Merino’s future during a press conference on Monday.
Aperribay emphasized that the club would not entertain a low offer for one of their key players. However, he acknowledged that Merino is eager to join Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
“Mikel already told us that he feels very much like a Real fan, but that if a Premier League team came, he wanted to fulfil his dream,” Aperribay said.
“Merino was clear that he didn’t want to say he was renewing and then leave,” Aperribay said.
“Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up.
“When I was in Japan, Olabe (Sporting Director) told me that Arsenal had called.
“I wish it had been earlier or that they hadn’t called at all.
“We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of Real Sociedad.
“When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes.
“We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up.”
Real Sociedad have successfully fended off Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi, but it seems likely that the club will soon confirm the departure of Mikel Merino to Arsenal.
Manager Imanol Alguacil appears resigned to losing the Euro 2024 winner.
“It has not been complicated at all, it is what happens every year, to all coaches, clubs and sporting directors. Every summer there is movement. Merino and Le Normand? There are no two players like them,” he said after the defeat to Vallecano.
“And I won’t even tell you if Zubimendi leaves us at the last minute.
“They are irreplaceable players.
“Because of what they have done, we are talking about Le Normand leaving, Arsenal want Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay the release clause for Zubimendi.
“But we cannot always look for an excuse when Merino and Le Normand are not there if things don’t work out for us.
“Of course I was disappointed by what happened, especially the first 10 minutes.
“I noticed a lot of pressure and tension.
“Then, we took a step forward, we were better, there were moments when we got out of their good pressure and created some situations, although not very clear.
“And then, with the match tied, if we are not brilliant with the ball, we cannot give away the two throw-ins that we gave away and that ended in their two goals.”
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