Arsenal transfer move was delayed by Euro 2024 | OneFootball

Arsenal are interested in Mikel Merino but it was difficult to make progress on a deal while Euro 2024 was ongoing, and they’re yet to formalise a move.

Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

Charles Watts reports that Arsenal are indeed interested in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer, following reports of similar in recent days.

Yet Watts adds that it’s been difficult to progress things during the Euros, and Arsenal are yet to firm up their interest and try to get a deal done.

Watts writes that Merino could be a more appealing option to Arsenal than Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi due to the price tag involved, with the La Liga side open to negotiate in Merino’s case.

In a final word of caution, the journalist concludes that some top clubs in Spain are also considering a move for the midfielder.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on March 5, 2024. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Sam Dean reported for The Telegraph this week that Arsenal are plotting a move for Merino, with their interest pre-dating the start of Euro 2024.

The Spain midfielder’s reputation has obviously been enhanced by his performances in Germany, but Arsenal were already looking at the 28-year-old before that.

Dean writes that Merino could represent good value given he’s in the final year of his contract, with suggestions of a £20m price tag. But again, the journalist suggests that the Gunners will face competition for the international’s signature.

Spain’s Mikel Merino addresses a press conference of Spain’s national football team, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 European football Championships, in Donaueschingen, on June 12, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad in 2023/24, scoring eight goals and assisting a further four.

As mentioned, he previously played in the Premier League with Newcastle United for a season, making 25 appearances in 2017/18 before moving on to La Liga.

The midfielder was a regular for Spain at Euro 2024, appearing in every game albeit largely off the bench. He had a pivotal impact in the quarter-final against Germany, scoring the winning goal.