Arsenal boost in transfer hunt for Mikel Merino as Real Sociedad chief makes ‘unfortunate’ admission about midfielder

ARSENAL are closing in on a move for top midfield target Mikel Merino.

The Spaniard was omitted from Real Sociedad’s squad to face Real Vallecano as they kicked off their LaLiga campaign with a 2-1 defeat.

GettyMikel Merino could be heading to North London[/caption]

GettyThe playmaker won Euro 2024 with Spain[/caption]

PA:Press AssociationHe has Premier League experience with Newcastle[/caption]

Now, president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that talks are underway with the Gunners and a deal is possible.

Per Chris Wheatley, he said: “Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up [Arsenal].

“When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes.

“We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].”

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil admitted before Sunday’s game that Merino’s absence was due to a potential transfer.

He said: “I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.”

Arsenal’s initial bid of £21.5million was rejected, but they are now preparing an improved offer of £30m to secure a transfer.

Sporting director Edu has been actively involved in negotiations for the Euro 2024 winner, 28.

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Former Newcastle ace Merino has one year remaining on his contract and played a pivotal role for Spain in Germany this summer.

He scored the crucial second goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, a looping header that found the net in the 119th minute, securing Spain’s victory.

The star also contributed to Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final, coming on during the closing stages to help see out the match.

Last season the midfielder made 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad, scoring eight goals.

The Gunners have already secured Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million and made David Raya’s loan move from Brentford permanent.

Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant

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Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.

They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.

Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard

A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.

Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz

Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.

They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.

Milly White – partner of Ben White

The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.

Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard

The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.

They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.

Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice

Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.

She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.

Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale

Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.

The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.