Arsenal summer target has reportedly been left out of his club’s pre-season tour, with a move to England looming large

Arsenal have ramped up efforts to secure the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad as teammate Martin Zubimendi edges closer to joining Liverpool, with the Premier League season fast approaching.

Having already made significant acquisitions this summer, including the £42 million signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to further strengthen his squad before the August 30 transfer deadline.

With goalkeeper David Raya also completing a permanent move following a successful loan spell, the Gunners are now focused on reinforcing their midfield, specifically targeting a partner for club-record signing Declan Rice.

Merino has not been included in Real Sociedad’s squad for their friendly game against Union Berlin which could mean an imminent departure. After rejecting Atlético Madrid, the midfielder’s transfer to Arsenal is now closer than ever. The 28-year-old believes Arsenal are the perfect project for him

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are urgently working to finalise a deal for Merino, particularly in light of Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi. The Gunners are expected to lodge a formal offer for Merino in the coming days, with discussions with Real Sociedad ongoing.

Despite Merino’s recent success with Spain at Euro 2024, the defensive midfielder is valued at a modest sum of up to £25 million by Real Sociedad due to his contract entering its final 12 months. This has heightened fears within the club of losing him on a free transfer next year.

Arsenal have been advancing their pursuit of Merino since last week, with further talks scheduled with Real Sociedad. Arteta is reportedly convinced that Merino’s ball-playing abilities would complement Rice, making him a priority signing as the club seeks to bolster their midfield.

Arsenal view the 28-year-old as a key target, with left-back Kieran Tierney even describing Merino as “world-class.” The club is confident that his personality and drive would make him a strong fit within the current squad at the Emirates Stadium. This confidence has led to Merino being identified as a top target, despite earlier links to Zubimendi.

Arteta and other influential figures within the club have prioritised Merino after securing Calafiori last month. While Arsenal has explored various options since the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Arteta is eager to finalise Merino’s signing as the new Premier League season approaches.

Contrary to some reports, Merino was not initially considered a backup option if Arsenal failed to secure Zubimendi. Liverpool now appears poised to sign Zubimendi, with Real Sociedad expecting a move to be agreed upon. The Merseyside club is reportedly prepared to trigger Zubimendi’s £51.7 million release clause as they seek their first major acquisition under new manager Arne Slot.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have downplayed their interest in Zubimendi, with GMS sources suggesting that the midfielder was more likely to remain at Real Sociedad for another season. There were even indications that he could join Real Madrid next summer, especially if Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso takes over at the Bernabéu.