Arsenal are leading the race ahead of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Barcelona to sign Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino this summer, according to a report.
Mikel Arteta has been widely rumoured to be actively seeking a top-quality central midfielder to strengthen his squad for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
Merino enjoyed a productive last season with Real Sociedad, featuring in 45 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals, and providing five assists.
The Spaniard is known for his goalscoring ability as a midfielder, averaging 2.89 touches in the opposition box, which places him in the 93rd percentile among midfielders in the top five European leagues.
With less than a year left on his current contract, the La Liga outfit made him a new offer to remain in the Basque Country earlier this summer, but he has yet to commit his future.
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Arsenal frontrunners to sign Merino this summer
While several suitors have been linked with a move for Merino this summer, Mundo Deportivo report that Arsenal may have taken the lead in securing the Spaniard's signature.
The outlet adds that the Gunners have already opened talks with La Real over a possible 'contract of a lifetime' for the 28-year-old midfielder.
Aston Villa were among the favourites to sign Merino this summer but are likely to cool their interest after reportedly agreeing a deal worth around £50m for Amadou Onana from Everton.
It is understood that Hansi Flick is expected to step up Barca's efforts to sign the Spain international, but the Catalans are likely to struggle to meet the player's release clause.
Merino's is said to have a £56m release fee written into his contract, but La Real are believed to be willing to listen to suitable offers given that the player is now in the final year of his current deal with the club.
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Merino eyeing up next adventure
In his six seasons with Real Sociedad, Merino has emerged as one of the club's key players, contributing significantly to their Copa Del Rey triumph in 2020.
Additionally, he has solidified his place as a regular in the Spanish national squad, and his goal in the quarter-final of Euro 2024 earned his nation a dramatic extra-time victory over host nation Germany to reach the last four.
When asked about his future in a recent interview, the Spaniard refused to rule out a move away from La Real this summer, saying: "Throughout my career I have always made it clear in every interview that I am an adventurer, that I don't know where football will take me and that I am willing to go on an adventure wherever it suits me.
"I did it when I went to Dortmund, to Newcastle, and when I came to Donosti on an adventure. You never know where football can take you, and I'm willing to continue my career wherever my heart and my head ask me to," he added.
Once Merino returns to San Sebastian after celebrating La Roja's Euro 2024 triumph, discussions regarding his future are likely to recommence.
Devesh Jaganath
