TAKE THE MIK
Arsenal step up efforts to seal Mikel Merino transfer as Edu flies to Spain… but ‘may need to sell to buy’
Arsenal could let another academy player leave to fund the transfer
ARSENAL sporting director Edu has been in Spain hoping to wrap up a deal for Mikel Merino.
Real Sociedad ace Merino, 28, wants to join the Gunners with the clubs locked in talks over the Spain midfielder.
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He was missing from their pre-season friendly squad against Union Berlin on Friday amid rumours he is heading to the Emirates.
Merino was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and he scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-final.
Mikel Arteta is said to have wanted the midfielder for some time with Arsenal in talks over his signing.
It is believed agreeing personal terms with Merino would be straightforward once a bid is accepted.
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Real Sociedad are keen to keep Merino and have offered him a new deal with his contract set to expire next year.
However the player's representatives have reportedly informed the club that Merino intends to sign for the Gunners.
But Arsenal may not be able to complete a transfer until they sell players, with Eddie Nketiah tipped to leave.
Marseille were in talks to sign the striker but refused to match Arsenal's £27million asking price.
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Bournemouth are interested in Nketiah as a potential replacement for Dominic Solanke.
Arsenal also had to let go Emile Smith Rowe this summer to fund a move for Riccardo Califiori.
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