“Mikel Arteta’s True Feelings on Arsenal Target Mikel Merino Unveil a Bigger Strategy”
“Mikel Arteta’s True Feelings on Arsenal Target Mikel Merino Unveil a Bigger Strategy”
Arsenal Insider can exclusively reveal what Mikel Arteta’s true stance on Mikel Merino is, having missed out on a preferred target.
Arsenal need to reinforce their midfield contingent in this summer transfer window.
Mikel Merino is now a top target for Arsenal, with the Gunners working to prise the Spaniard away from Real Sociedad.
The La Liga outfit are open to letting the player go, as they are wary of losing him for nothing next summer. Merino only has one year left on his current contract and has shown no signs of being willing to pen a new a deal with his current club.
Mikel Arteta will abandon Arsenal transfer policy for Merino, as the North London club usually prefer to bring in younger players. The manager is willing to make an exception in order to get a deal for the 28-year-old over the line.
However, Merino was not Arteta’s top target when the Gunners first looked into doing business with Real Sociedad. Arsenal were heavily linked with Martin Zubimendi, but he seems set on remaining with the Spanish side.
Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi both featured in Arsenal plan
Arsenal Insider sources can now exclusively reveal that Zubimendi was Arteta’s preferred choice out of the two, but the manager is huge admirer of both players. He is certainly now keen to bring Merino to the Emirates Stadium.
Both players have been on Arsenal’s shortlist for a long time. The Gunners are convinced that Merino is a good fit for them, and view the Euro 2024 winner as a player with a somewhat similar profile to Declan Rice, but also well-suited to taking up the more advanced left-eight role.
Merino has also made it clear to Real Sociedad that he wishes to join Arsenal this summer. Meanwhile, Zubimendi, who is more alike to Martin Odegaard in terms of his style of play, is happy to remain where he is.
How will Merino combine with Declan Rice at Arsenal?
As Merino and Rice share some similar qualities – they are both strong in the air, reliable duel winners, and able to go from box to box all game – they are well suited to playing together and instead of one another. Merino will be both partner and cover for Rice at Arsenal.
Last season, Rice showed that he is capable of playing a more advanced role, as well as sitting at the base of the midfield trio, protecting the back four. Merino is similarly versatile, meaning that the duo will be able to rotate and interchange with each other between and within matches.
