Real Sociedad’s club president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed Arsenal have made an approach for their idfielder, Mikel Merino.
In a post on X by journalist Chris Wheatley, Aperribay has admitted a deal for Merino could be in the making.
“Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up,” Sociedad’s president was quoted as saying (via Daily Mail) alluding to the Gunners.
“When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes,” Aperribay added.
Merino had been excluded from Real Sociedad’s squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil had previously been drawn on Merino’s absence, saying: “I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.”
And Aperribay confirmed the player influenced the decision to omit him from the squad.
He said: “We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].“
Arsenal had an initial offer of £21.5million rejected but it is believed an improved bid of £30m will be enough to seal the transfer.
Sporting director Edu has been in Spain to push negotiations along, with the Euro 2024-winning midfielder open to the move.
Merino has one year left on his contract and featured in all seven games for Spain at the Euros.
Merino came on in the closing stages of Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the final to help Spain see out the final minutes.
The 28-year-old had played 45 times in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals for Real Sociedad.
Merino would represent Arsenal’s second major addition to the squad this summer should a deal be completed.
The Gunners have already signed Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42m, while David Raya’s loan move from Brentford was also made permanent.
Merino has experience of playing in the Premier League having spent a single season at Newcastle in the 2017-18 campaign.
