Real Sociedad have asked Arsenal and Liverpool to finalise their deals for midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi respectively. The San Sebastian club are bracing for a potential loss of the two key midfielders. According to reports, they are trying their best to keep at least one of them.
Arsenal and Liverpool Told to Hurry
Real Sociedad have told Arsenal and Liverpool to make quickly wrap up all the talks related to Merino and Zubimendi. Although the club has told Zubimendi he needs to make up his mind about a possible Liverpool move by Wednesday, they don’t want to lose him right before the summer transfer window ends. This would leave them with almost no time to find someone for the same position. As for Arsenal, they’re expected to make an offer for Mikel Merino soon, but they haven’t put anything on the table yet. This dual uncertainty places Sociedad in a delicate situation.
The departure of Zubimendi to Liverpool appears increasingly probable. If Arsenal make a solid offer for Merino, Sociedad would feel bound to keep their promise to let him leave for a fair price. Merino, who played a key part in Spain’s Euro 2024 win, is reportedly keen to join Arsenal as Mikel Arteta plans to overhaul the midfield.
Sociedad Trying to Retain Their Midfielders
Real Sociedad’s attempts to keep both players may prove to be in vain. The club’s chances of holding onto these key team members look slim. Merino played in 45 games for Sociedad last season scoring 8 goals and setting up 5 more. Many think he can boost Arsenal’s midfield. His great showing at Euro 2024 and his top spot in winning duels across Europe’s big five leagues make him attractive to the Premier League team.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino follows Emile Smith Rowe’s £34 million transfer to Fulham, which has intensified the club’s need for a capable midfield . Despite reports suggesting a near-completed deal worth around £25.3 million, no official bid has been made as of yet. The situation is made worse by a crowded international schedule that has left clubs reluctant to let players leave. Arteta is hoping to push through Merino’s transfer with the Premier League starting this weekend. Arsenal will face Wolves at the Emirates Stadium for their first match.
Real Sociedad will be sweating over facing their biggest challenge of navigating through this last part of the transfer window with a spirited season before them.
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Arsenal Working on Reducing Merino’s Fee
Merino has already let his feelings to leave for Arsenal known to Sociedad president, Jokin Aperribay. The responsibility now falls on Arsenal’s management, including sporting director Edu, to negotiate a suitable transfer agreement with Sociedad. Arsenal have no intentions of matching the fee initially proposed by Sociedad. They are aiming to secure Merino for approximately £21 million. Right now, there is a big disparity in valuation, but there is a high probability of reaching a middle ground in the coming days. A fee of £25 million seems fair for Merino, who recently won the Euros with Spain.
Finishing Merino’s transfer is crucial for Arsenal, allowing them to turn their focus on bringing a marquee centre-forward. Although there are no immediate plans to purchase a striker, this could change if Eddie Nketiah leaves. Bournemouth has shown interest in signing the Gunners’ graduate as a replacement for Dominic Solanke. Ultimately, balancing between holding on to new players and adapting to sudden changes will be crucial for Sociedad this summer.
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