Mikel Merino made it clear he is keen to join Arsenal this summer (Image: Getty)
Mikel Merino may have already been handed a setback at Arsenal before even touching down in England.
The midfielder was shortlisted by the Gunners as their top target this summer and negotiations with Real Sociedad have been ongoing since the conclusion of Euro 2024, when Merino helped Spain to victory.
A deal is now verbally agreed between clubs worth approximately £32.5million including add-ons, according to various reports, with Mikel Arteta finally set to unite with who he believes will be the final piece of the puzzle in midfield.
However, Merino will not be able to continue playing with the No. 8 on his back when he arrives at the Emirates Stadium, despite donning the iconic squad number since he returned to Spain in 2018.
Arsenal have already released their squad numbers for the 2024/25, with club captain Martin Odegaard continuing to wear the No. 8.
Thus, Merino will have to settle for a different number, and the Gunners have plenty on offer which could suffice as a compromise for the imminent new signing.
Martin Odegaard currently wears No. 8 for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
The 28-year-old wore No. 23 during his one season at Newcastle in 2017, and that is now available after Albert Sambi Lokonga was loaned out to Sevilla – who have the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Merino also wore No. 24 during his season-long stint at Borussia Dortmund which is also available and could be viewed as an option by the playmaker, who hopes to hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta is keen to work with Mikel Merino (Image: Getty)
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The midfielder did not feature in Real Sociedad’s opening game of the season in La Liga, recently training individually to ensure that he is primed to be ready for Arteta’s system upon arriving in north London.
The Gunners are expected to continue scouring the market for reinforcements following the signing of Merino, with a signing in the final third not to be ruled out. Arteta has talked up his striker options recently, with Gabriel Jesus impressing in pre-season and Kai Havertz enjoying a strong end to last season, but another option up top is being explored.
With Eddie Nketiah edging closer to an exit, Arsenal may rule that Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are not sufficient cover for their two natural strikers and look for a last-minute deal.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1939483/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mikel-Merino-Mikel-Arteta