Mikel Merino has been left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga fixture with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.
Despite this, the club’s manager Imanol Alguacil thanked Merino and Carlos Fernandez – which could be a huge clue that the pair are making the move elsewhere, he said: “I would like to thank both of them, personally, and the club, for everything they have given us. Although I am going to talk about one person, because one of them is here and wanted to be on the pitch tomorrow.”
This may be a hint that a move to Arsenal is not too far away as speculation has ramped up this week. The Spain international had a crucial role in his country’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory – notably scoring a last-gasp extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-final.
He also impressed in La Liga last term contributing with eight goal involvement in 32 appearances as the Basque side finished sixth. The 28-year-old is no stranger to English football; playing 24 Premier League matches for Newcastle in the 2017/18 season. However, since returning to his native country the midfielder has developed into one of the best in the division and seems a good fit into Arsenal’s midfield unit alongside Declan Rice.
The midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Sociedad and a move to Arsenal looks increasingly likely this summer – a fee of £30m is likely to prise him to the Emirates Stadium.
The Sociedad boss gave his thoughts on the situation: “A thousand things can happen between now and the 30th. The market could change, there could be injuries, there could be presidents who get nervous… At the moment, we are the same as we are. And I have decided to leave Merino and Carlos out of the squad. I made the decision and I think it is the best for them and for the team.”
