Arsenal's pursuit of Mikel Merino appears to have hit an obstacle as Real Sociedad have made a last-ditch attempt to retain the midfielder.
The Gunners have been poised to secure Merino, who won Euro 2024 with Spain, for a reported £25million for some time with him entering the final year of his contract at Sociedad.
Mikel Arteta, who has already brought in Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya this summer, identified midfield as an area needing reinforcements. However, securing Arteta's top target may prove more challenging than anticipated, with Sociedad still hopeful of keeping Merino in Spain.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa report that Sociedad are reeling from the potential departures of Merino and Martin Zubimendi, with fans growing increasingly concerned. President Jokin Aperribay has returned from holiday to manage the situation, with club chiefs sparing 'no expense' to retain Merino and Zubimendi, whose £51million release clause is attracting Liverpool.
Sociedad have been trying to convince Zubimendi to stay at the club as Liverpool push to secure his signature. And now they're pulling out all the stops to retain Merino, who has signalled his desire to join Arsenal, even dangling the carrot of him becoming the top earner at the club.
However, it seems their efforts are in vain as the proposed salary still pales in comparison to what Arsenal are ready to offer.
Despite Sociedad's best efforts, Merino's switch to the Emirates appears to still be on course. Manager Mikel Arteta will be relieved with this development, acknowledging that his team needs to bolster its ranks before the new season commences.
While Merino's signing is almost over the line, the search for a prolific striker continues at Arsenal. The club is poised to approve Eddie Nketiah's loan transfer to Marseille, which includes an obligation to buy.
Should Nketiah leave as anticipated, Arsenal will undoubtedly need to secure a replacement. A prolific striker seems to be the missing piece in Arsenal's quest to end their 20-year title drought.
