According to the latest reports from Football Insider, the Spanish side are prepared to let both of their midfielders leave and it is unlikely that Zubimendi’s impending move to Anfield will affect his countryman’s move to the Emirates.
Merino, 28, is entering the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad, reportedly turning down the offer of a new deal. The La Liga side have been anticipating his exit and talks with the Gunners remain ongoing with the N7 club said to be ‘confident’ that the deal will be completed soon after getting the go ahead from the midfielder.
When links emerged between Zubimendi and Liverpool, it was thought this move could lead Sociedad to stop any ongoing negotiations the Gunners were having with Merino, but these concerns appear to have been quashed.
Zubimendi, 25, has been with Sociedad for his entire career, progressing through the academy ranks and going on to make 188 appearances for the side. He also featured for Spain in their Euros 2024 triumph but Sociedad are now getting ready to part ways with both midfielders.
Merino has had previous Premier League experience, playing for Newcastle for one season in 2017/18. He has 190 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad, as well as 28 international appearances for Spain.
Arsenal’s continued interest in the Spanish Euro 2024 champion comes as questions continue to remain about Thomas Partey’s availability. It is also believed that Jorginho is not set to feature as prominently in the number six role under Arteta in the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
Arteta will hope that a deal with Merino can be reached before their season begins on 17 August with the Gunners welcoming Wolves to the Emirates. He would becoming Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, after signing David Raya on a permanent transfer and bringing Italian star Riccardo Calafiori to north London.
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