Mikel Arteta may have identified the perfect player to balance his side after the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the the UEFA Euro 2024 winner could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium after impressing both at the tournament and for his club Real Sociedad.
With the acquisition of goalkeeper David Raya, an additional defender – Calafiori – to what was last season’s best Premier League defence, and an already world-class operator in the middle of the park in Declan Rice, the Gunners have a strong spine. However, the potential signing of Merino could provide the perfect balance in Arteta’s side. With Rice as a right-sided eight, the Spaniard is left-footed and could play as a ‘left-eight’.
Midfielder Emile Smith Rowe exited for Fulham earlier this week raising transfer funds in a £34million deal, freeing up a spot in Arteta’s midfield. Merino is known for winning duels and would provide tough competition for Rice as Arsenal vow to compete in four competitions this season – Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Carabao Cup. At 28, the player would be ready to go and potentially implemented straight into Arteta’s first-team plans.
The Pamplona-born midfielder boasts previous experience in England with a short stint at Newcastle United between 2017 and 2018, although he has improved and gained much more experience since his period in the North East.
He traded St James’ Park for San Sebastian, joining Real Sociedad where he found form and he has since made 28 appearances for his country.
