Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Mikel Arteta is a fan of his fellow Spaniard.
The 28-year-old midfielder is entering the final year of his contract with the La Liga side, and he is seen as a more straightforward deal than Arsenal’s other target Viktor Gyokeres.
Real Sociedad have set a £20-25million fee for him this summer, which will be the final window they can cash in on him unless an extension is agreed upon.
Merino scored eight goals last season and provided five assists across 45 appearances.
Arsenal will face competition to try sign to Mikel Merino
Arsenal might be interested in Merino, but they’re not the only top club monitoring the experienced striker.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on him at the moment, although it’s believed that Barcelona would struggle to afford him.
Despite the competition to secure his signature, sources claim that Arsenal are in pole position currently.
Merino does boast some Premier League experience from his spell at Newcastle United, but he only managed one goal in 24 appearances.
The Gunners are braced for bids for the Brazilian, but they have no plans to sell him.
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