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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta greatly admires Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and is eager to sign him this summer, as reported by the Spanish outlet Sport.

Arteta has already called the Spanish international, sharing his plans for him in the team. Merino is open to joining Arsenal.

Barcelona is also interested in Merino, but financial issues may hinder their efforts, giving Arsenal a good chance to secure the player. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Sociedad, and the club is looking to sell him for around €25 million.

Arsenal aims to strengthen their midfield, and Merino is seen as an ideal fit. He has become one of the top midfielders in Spain, regularly featuring for the national team and performing well at the European Championship.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil even called Merino the best player in La Liga in 2021, a claim Merino modestly accepted. Besides his midfield skills, Merino is effective in the final third, finishing the 2023-24 season with eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances.

His tackling and passing abilities have caught Arsenal’s attention, and they seem ready to make a serious move for him in the coming weeks. Merino has unfinished business in the Premier League after leaving Newcastle in 2018, and Arsenal is prepared to offer him a chance to compete for a league title.