'I'm world class but midfielder Arsenal are close to signing is the complete player'

Barcelona star Pedri has high praise for Mikel Merino amid Arsenal’s interest, describing him as a “complete player”. Spain’s Euro 2024 hero and potential future Gunner played a key role in his country’s triumph against England with a 2-1 win in the final.

Evidently, his standout performances haven’t gone unnoticed at the Emirates, as Arsenal seem eager to secure him as their third summer signing after David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. According to reports from Spanish outlet Relev, Mikel Arteta is on the verge of sealing the deal with Real Sociedad following an offer believed to be around £25.3 million plus add-ons.

Personal term agreements are reportedly all set, with Merino himself keen on making the switch. Real Sociedad appears to be preparing for life post-Merino, having agreed terms to sign Croatian midfielder Luka Sucic from RB Salzburg, suggesting that Merino’s return to the Premier League since his days at Newcastle in the 2017/18 season is more than just conjecture.

The Arsenal target has enjoyed acclaim from noteworthy figures in the footballing world as of late, including international team-mate Pedri, who lauded him in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. The Barcelona star acknowledged the challenge of facing such a talent in midfield, stating: “Mikel is a player I like a lot in midfield.”, reports Football London.

“Especially in aerial duels. I’m always telling him that he can’t lose one. He wins them all and then he is a player who puts his body in very well and covers the ball very well. He is a player that, when we play against Real, is very difficult for me. He has many qualities, both with and without the ball. He recovers a lot of balls, he is a very complete player.”

Gunners fans will surely feel confident over the arrival of the 28-year-old following the comments made by Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, who admitted he’s yet to sign a new contract despite one being offered.

“I don’t know. We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them,” Apperibay told Mundo Deportivo. “The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay. He already knows that we want him to stay.

“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real. What we think is that the club has to look to the future. Try to be stronger every year or every day. You don’t have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you that he wants to take advantage of an opportunity. Daily work makes us stronger.”