Football Espana
·21 August 2024
Arsenal have Mikel Merino offer rejected as negotiations stretch on – report
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Football Espana
·21 August 2024
Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been locked in negotiations for Mikel Merino for several weeks now, with the Gunners already having agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old. The agreement with La Real continues to resist them though.
It has been reported for some time that the two sides are close on a deal, and that the general fee is agreed, but the structure of the deal is the key part of discussions, between a fixed fee and variables. Real Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay has confirmed they have held several rounds of talks with Arsenal, and that Merino has informed them of a desire to leave.
Nevertheless, Cadena Cope contradict previous reports, saying that the Txuri-Urdin continue to hold out for as much as they can get for the Euro 2024 winner, and are seeking to get as close to €40m as they can. Their information is that Real Sociedad have already turned down an offer of €30m plus €5m in variables. There is still optimism from Merino’s camp that the deal wil go ahead.
Given Merino’s contract is up next summer, it seems highly likely a deal will get done eventually. With the player set on a move, persuaded by Mikel Arteta it is the right option, and Real Sociedad undoubtedly keen not to lose him for free, it makes sense for all parties to reach a deal. It seems those factors will not lead to La Real ceding ground easily though.