Frank Christian
Arsenal is gearing up to present a revised offer for their primary target Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
Negotiations between the Gunners and La Real have been ongoing since late July, but a concrete agreement to bring the Euro 2024 victor to North London is yet to be reached.
Although Merino has allegedly agreed to personal terms for the move, his current club is insisting on a transfer fee close to their valuation of the player.
Real Sociedad successfully rebuffed Liverpool’s interest in Merino’s midfield counterpart Martin Zubimendi, but they are less optimistic about keeping hold of the former.
Merino has decided against extending his contract in San Sebastian, with his current deal set to expire at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, prompting a focus in the Basque Country on securing the highest possible fee.
According to the latest reports from The Guardian, Arsenal’s initial bid of £21.5m ($27.5m) has been rejected, with Real Sociedad holding out for £30m ($38.5m) before the closure of the EPL transfer window on August 30.
As Arsenal prepares to kick off their new EPL season against Wolves on August 17, a second compromise offer may be pushed to the following week, with Mikel Arteta’s primary focus on the upcoming match.
