4 years contract agreed: Arsenal have reached the final stage to sign £60m sensational – Edu is now ready to cook this season

One would assume that when a manager publicly denies interest in any player from a particular club, it would put an end to rumors about his club trying to buy someone from there. However, this hasn’t been the case with Unai Emery and Real Sociedad. Despite Emery, the Aston Villa boss, speaking to the Spanish media earlier this summer and clearly stating he has no interest in any player at La Real, rumors persist. This denial was somewhat personal for Emery, as he came through as a player at Real Sociedad and will likely manage the club before he retires.

In spite of Emery’s comments, recent reports have linked both Arsenal and Aston Villa with Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder is increasingly in demand, with his contract set to expire in less than a year. Although Real Sociedad has made a renewal offer, it is not believed to be sufficient, making a sale possible.

According to Mundo Deportivo’s Basque edition, Merino could receive the “contract of a lifetime” at Arsenal, and there is concern about interest from Mikel Arteta’s side. Aston Villa’s interest is also mentioned, suggesting Emery may not have been entirely truthful when he denied interest in any player from Real Sociedad.

While it remains to be seen, Arsenal currently appears more likely to sign Merino than Aston Villa, especially since the latter is in the process of signing Amadou Onana. Additionally, Barcelona, who have also been linked with interest in the Everton player, are reportedly monitoring Merino’s situation.