Arsenal are on the verge of signing one of Real Sociedad’s best players this summer.
The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with midfielder Mikel Merino and talks are currently ongoing with Sociedad over the payment package.
Merino was left out of Sociedad’s matchday squad for the La Liga curtain-raiser against Real Vallecano and speaking after the game, manager Imanol Alguacil acknowledged Arsenal’s interest in the 28-year-old.
The Spanish tactician said that the club are without two key stars in Robin Le Normand and Merino, and they will not be able to replace them with players of the same quality.
He added that there is a reason why the Gunners want to land Merino and also confirmed that Liverpool were willing to pay the release clause in Martin Zubimendi’s contract.
He said after yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Vallecano (via Noticias de Gipuzkoa): “It is clear that there are no two players like Le Normand and Merino.
“Real will not be able to replace those players with the same level. And I won’t even tell you if Zubimendi had left.
“There’s a reason Arsenal want Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay Zubimendi’s clause. I’ve asked for reinforcements in all positions because if we can improve it will be good for the team.
“Now is not the time to get nervous, we are not 100% yet. We are Real Sociedad, what we have to do is work to be as happy at the end of the season as previous years.”
Merino, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, has been a mainstay for Sociedad over the last six years, making close to 250 appearances in all competitions.
He was brilliant defensively and offensively for his club last term. The Spaniard won a stunning 10.2 duels per league game alongside 2.4 tackles and 6.2 recoveries.
The ex-Newcastle United man also excelled in the final third. He registered eight goals and five assists in all competitions, operating from the central midfield role.
He could assume the same position with the Gunners. His overall attributes should help in adding more defensive resolve and creativity within the Arsenal line-up.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
