MIKEL MERINO DROPS HUGE TRANSFER HINT AHEAD OF ARSENAL MOVE

ARSENAL TARGET MIKEL MERINO HAS DROPPED A HUGE TRANSFER HINT AFTER RETURNING TO TRAINING FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL EURO 2024 CAMPAIGN

In a significant development for both Real Sociedad and Arsenal fans, Mikel Merino has made a decisive move amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a switch to the Gunners. 

The 28-year-old midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, has been heavily tipped to join Mikel Arteta’s squad as part of a midfield overhaul.

While it was initially expected that Thomas Partey would be the one to exit the club this summer, it was instead Emile Smith Rowe who made a £34 million permanent transfer to Fulham just days ago. This departure has left Arsenal on the lookout for a suitable replacement.

Merino, who boasts the highest number of duels won across Europe’s top five leagues and contributed to 13 goals last season, appears to be an ideal candidate for the role. Despite reports suggesting a deal worth around £25.3 million is near completion, sources indicate that no official bid has been made by Arsenal.

Interest from the North London club is undoubtedly strong, and discussions with Merino’s representatives have been ongoing. However, the midfielder’s latest actions hint at a delay in any potential transfer. 

On Monday, Merino was spotted back at Real Sociedad’s training ground, gearing up for the new season after enjoying an extended break following Spain’s summer success.

Every club wants that, we want that as coaches and for the players especially. Then for the team and for the environment. When you do that something clicks there and it’s really important because it starts to give you momentum,” he remarked.

The scheduling of two international tournaments has complicated transfer activities for many clubs, and Arsenal now face an additional hurdle in securing Merino’s signature. With the Premier League season set to commence in just 12 days against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be hoping for a swift resolution to bolster his squad in time for the new campaign.