Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino is on Arsenal's radar for a potential summer move, but his age is reportedly causing some concern within the club.
The 28-year-old Real Sociedad star, who helped Spain win the Euros, would be a significant addition to the Gunners' midfield as they aim for Premier League glory after two near-misses against Man City.
Their interest in Merino marks a departure from Arsenal's usual transfer strategy of targeting younger players for long-term planning. And his age has reportedly led to some scepticism from some of those in the club's hierarchy, according to football.london.
Arsenal's recent signings, such as Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, have all been made with a long-term perspective, while Merino is currently in his prime years.
Merino, a former Newcastle player, stood out at this summer's major tournament for Spain and could secure a move as a result. Other players linked with big clubs include Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, while Merino's ex-Sociedad teammate Robin Le Normand has just transferred to Atletico Madrid.
Merino demonstrated his box-to-box capabilities at the Euros, scoring a decisive goal in the 120th minute against Germany in the quarter-finals. He also played a key role in helping his La Liga side excel in last season's Champions League.
Real Sociedad's president Jokin Aperribay said to Mundo Deportivo: "We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August. We will try to make the team come out stronger.
"I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: 'I'm staying' - and then leave. I would like him not to leave.
"If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now. We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully, his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay."
Meanwhile, Arsenal have already made a significant addition this summer with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old Italian, who represented his country at the Euros, aligns with the type of signings Arteta has been making at the club.
