Arsenal Set to Break Transfer Policy for Mikel Merino, Arteta’s Key Target
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to deviate from their transfer policy to secure a player highly desired by manager Mikel Arteta this summer.
The Gunners have seen significant improvements in the transfer market since the arrival of sporting director Edu Gaspar.
Alongside Arteta, Edu has built a team capable of winning major honors, with Arsenal narrowly missing out on at least one more Premier League title in recent seasons.
Their success has largely come from signing young, talented prospects such as Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, and William Saliba, who have all developed into top-class players.
However, Arteta has demonstrated flexibility in this approach, particularly with the acquisitions of experienced players like Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, who have become important under his management.
Arsenal appear ready to break their usual transfer policy again in pursuit of a key midfield target.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their midfield options this summer but are likely to miss out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. According to TEAMtalk, Zubimendi has indicated he has no intention of leaving Sociedad, prompting Arsenal to shift their focus to his teammate Mikel Merino.
Despite typically targeting players under the age of 25, Arsenal may make an exception for the 28-year-old Merino. Arteta has reportedly convinced the Arsenal board to consider signing him. Much like Jorginho’s arrival, Merino’s experience would be a valuable addition to the team.
The current Arsenal squad, once largely inexperienced, has benefited from the signings of Jorginho, Trossard, and Declan Rice, who, despite being 25, brings significant international and Premier League experience.
Merino would add further know-how and could serve as a replacement for Granit Xhaka on the left side of the midfield three.
Merino has had an impressive season at Sociedad, earning praise as a ‘world-class’ midfielder. His ball-handling skills align well with Arteta’s style of play. Additionally, Merino has been a key player for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring a crucial extra-time winner in the quarter-finals against Germany.
Arsenal Set to Break Transfer Policy for Mikel Merino, Arteta’s Key Target
