Arsenal 'hatch Mikel Merino plan' to land third transfer after Calafiori deal

Arsenal are ‘ready’ to offer Real Sociedad €30 million (£25.5m) for midfielder Mikel Merino this summer to fight off interest from Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

Merino has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few days. Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield options after the imminent arrival of defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Merino was part of the Spain squad who overcame England in the final of Euro 2024 earlier this month to lift the trophy. He has also caught the eye with his performances with Real Sociedad in La Liga.

The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Spanish club and will reportedly not sign a new deal. He could therefore be available at a cut-price fee this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo , Barcelona are also showing an interest in the midfielder. The report says that they face competition from Arsenal and a Bundesliga club.

It then adds that the Gunners are willing to pay a fee of €30 million (£25.5m), and are also able to offer bigger wages than Barcelona would be able to offer. Merino is said to be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium but is yet to give a definitive answer.

If the Gunners can complete a deal, he would become the third new arrival at the club this summer. Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford and are closing in on the signing of Calafiori from Bologna after agreeing a fee with the Spanish side.

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