RELIABLE JOURNALIST REVEALS ARSENAL PLOTTING HUGE MOVE FOR EURO 2024 MIDFIELD STAR

Reliable journalist Sam Dean has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in a Euro 2024 midfield star who is also a target for many clubs

IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024.

According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, Arsenal’s interest in the experienced midfielder has intensified following his impressive performances in the recently concluded tournament in Germany.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino predates Euro 2024, but his reputation has been significantly bolstered by his contributions over the past month. The 28-year-old midfielder featured in all seven of Spain’s matches, mostly as a substitute, and scored a dramatic late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.

While Merino is slightly older than Arsenal’s typical transfer targets—the average age of their signings over the past three years is 24—he could be a valuable acquisition as he has only one year remaining on his contract.

Merino also brings experience from his previous stint in English football, having played for Newcastle United from 2017 to 2018 before returning to Spain.

REAL SOCIEDAD MIDFIEDER MIKEL MERINO (IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)

Over the past six seasons, Merino has been a consistent and reliable presence at Sociedad, averaging more than 30 appearances per league campaign. He is also a former teammate of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and would add depth to Arsenal’s defensive midfield and box-to-box positions if the club decides to pursue him further.

However, Arsenal are likely to face stiff competition for Merino’s signature. Reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the midfielder, with Real Sociedad valuing him at around £20 million.

In addition to their interest in Merino, Arsenal is reportedly in negotiations with Bologna for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, who could cost around £45 million.

Calafiori, capable of playing both center-back and left-back, impressed individually at the European Championship despite Italy’s overall struggles as a team. There is growing anticipation that a deal for Calafiori will be finalized soon.