Merino was once a target for Barcelona but Hansi Flick told the media that they have enough midfielders for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid also approached him, but were turned down. Los Colchoneros have since brought in Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
Details to be sorted out
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Sociedad and his other suitors have been told that he only wants to go to Arsenal at this stage. Manager Mikel Arteta has convinced Merino to return to the Premier League, and the Euro 2024 winner is determined to work with the Basque manager. The two clubs are currently ironing out the details of payment terms and variables as things stand.
The 27-year-old will bring physicality and excellent positioning to London. Merino has played in a double pivot with Martin Zubimendi for a few years now, but has often been called upon to play at different heights and attack the box, as he showed brilliantly against Germany a month ago. The transfer fee is said to be around €30 million.
