Real Sociedad’s president reveals ‘unfortunate’ Arsenal interest in Mikel Merino – as Spanish side omit wantaway star from their squad for LaLiga opener amid transfer links

Real Sociedad’s club president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed Arsenal have made an approach for their influential midfielder, Mikel Merino.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) by journalist Chris Wheatley, Aperribay has admitted a deal for Merino could be in the making.

‘Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up,’ Sociedad’s president was quoted as saying, alluding to the Gunners. 

He also added the club would consider a Merino-shaped sale, after previously being bullish on the Spanish club’s chances of keeping their star man. 

‘When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes,’ Aperribay added. 

The LaLiga club’s president Jokin Aperribay (left) revealed ‘unfortunate interest’ in their man

Merino had been excluded from Real Sociedad’s squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil had previously been drawn on Merino’s absence, saying: ‘I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.’ 

And Aperribay has since confirmed the player influenced the decision to omit him from the squad.

He said: ‘We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].’ 

Arsenal had an initial offer of £21.5million rejected but it is believed an improved bid of £30m will be enough to seal the transfer. 

Sporting director Edu has been in Spain to push negotiations along, with the Euro 2024-winning midfielder open to the move. 

Merino has one year left on his contract and featured in all seven games for Spain at the Euros.

Merino came on in the closing stages of Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the final to help Spain see out the final minutes.

The 28-year-old had played 45 times in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals for Real Sociedad.

Merino would represent Arsenal’s second major addition to the squad this summer should a deal be completed.

The Gunners have already signed Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42m, while David Raya’s loan move from Brentford was also made permanent.

Merino has experience of playing in the Premier League having spent a single season at Newcastle in the 2017-18 campaign.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will hope the offer helps to land his key summer midfield target

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar has been in Spain to try and complete the transfer

 He later became a key player in Real Sociedad under coach Imanol Alguacil and featured in LaLiga’s Team of the Season in 2022-23.

Overall, he has made 242 appearances for Erreala, playing at least 40 games per season in the last three campaigns. 

The former Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna player has scored 36 goals and provided 36 assists throughout his career.