MX23RW : Thursday, January 9 15:00:41| >> :60:1174:1174:

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'yet to submit' official offer for Mikel Merino

What is the latest on Arsenal's Merino pursuit?
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly yet to submit an official offer for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino despite supposedly having a verbal agreement in place.

Arsenal are reportedly yet to submit an official offer for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Gunners have confirmed a couple of signings this summer, converting David Raya's loan move into a permanent transfer before recruiting centre-back Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Having strengthened in the goalkeeping and defensive department, Arsenal are now looking to bolster other areas of their squad, including their engine room.

The Gunners have seen their midfield options weakened by the sale of academy product Emile Smith Rowe, who recently completed a move to fellow London club Fulham.

Mohamed Elneny also left the Emirates Stadium earlier this summer, while there is uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's future.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in July 2024© Imago

Arsenal yet to submit Merino bid

After being linked with a number of potential targets, Arsenal have seemingly turned their focus to signing Merino from Real Sociedad.

A recent report claimed that Merino was open to the move and has already reached an agreement with Arsenal over personal terms.

There was also a belief that Arsenal were in advanced discussions with Real Sociedad over a potential €30m (£25.3m) transfer.

However, according to football.london, the Gunners are yet to submit an official offer for the Spain international.

Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino with Ander Barrenetxea on February 14, 2024© Reuters

Merino in line for Premier League return

While Arsenal are still waiting to make an official bid, there is a belief that negotiations can be completed quickly due to the strong relationship between the two clubs.

Should he complete a move to Arsenal, Merino will hope to make his mark in the Premier League after failing to do so during his time with Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old made just 24 Premier League appearances during an underwhelming 18-month stint with the Magpies, before he completed a move to Real Sociedad in 2018.

Merino has since gone on to establish himself as a top La Liga midfielder, having made 190 top-flight appearances in his six-year stay at the Reale Arena.

The Real Sociedad man was also part of the Spain squad that achieved European Championship glory in Germany last month.

ID:549678:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4744:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Mikel Merino

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Spain's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal on July 5, 2024
Read Next:
Arsenal's new Bergkamp? Shirt numbers Merino could wear in North London
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!