According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is a great admirer of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and really wants to sign him this summer.

The Gunners boss called the Spain international, told him about the plans for him in his team and the player was keen to join the North London side.

Barcelona are also interested in signing Merino, but they have yet to sort out the finances, which gives Arsenal a real opportunity to entice them to his services.

The 28-year-old is in the final 12 months of his contract with Sociedad and the club expect him to leave this summer as they target a sale price of €25m.

Arsenal want to strengthen their options in midfield and Merino fits the bill.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has emerged as one of the best players in his position in the Spanish top flight in recent seasons, becoming a regular starter for the national team and is currently impressing at the European Championships.

Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil stated in September 2021 that the Arsenal target is La Liga’s best player, and while Merino won’t admit it, he agrees that he is ‘one of the best’ league.

In addition to his skills on the ball in midfield, the Spaniard is also very capable of influencing matches in the final third of the pitch, finishing the 2023-24 season with eight goals and four assists. ​created after 43 appearances in all competitions.

His tackling and passing skills have also attracted Arsenal and it appears they plan to make a serious move for Merino in the coming weeks.

He has unfinished business in the Premier League after leaving Newcastle in the summer of 2018, and the Gunners are ready to give him the chance to begin a strong challenge for a league title without having won a single trophy.