Arsenal can reportedly offer a “contract of a lifetime” to beat Barcelona and Aston Villa to the signature of 28-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo’s Basque edition, as relayed by Sport Witness, Mikel Merino is the subject of interest from Arsenal. Aston Villa and Barcelona are also keen on signing the Real Sociedad midfielder in the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners “can offer a contract of a lifetime” to the 28-year-old as he looks to sort out his future after winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain.
Mikel Merino and his recent rise
Mikel Merino has seen his stock soar since joining Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in July 2018. The Spaniard has established himself as one of the best players in La Liga in the last half a dozen years while becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park for his club and country.
The 28-year-old has turned out nearly 250 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with 27 goals and 30 assists. Merino was recently a regular in the middle of the park for Spain as they won every game in their triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, the player’s progress at the Basque club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of high-profile clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.
A man in demand
Merino has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time, with the prioritising a summer move for the Spanish international. The Catalan giants have struggled to fill the void left by the departure of Sergio Busquets last summer. While Merino will not be a like-for-like replacement, he can be a solid addition to the Barcelona midfield.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s interest in Mikel Merino is understandable. The Villans have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window after losing Douglas Luiz. The Real Sociedad midfielder has thus emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa.
As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is driving the North London club’s move for the 28-year-old Spanish international. The Arsenal manager wants a new midfielder in his squad amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Thomas Partey. Merino is thus a viable target, with Arsenal in line to offer a “contract of a lifetime” to him.
That might trouble Barcelona, in particular, considering the Catalan giants are not in the best financial position. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see where the Spaniard plies his trade in the 2024/25 season after winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain.
