Real Sociedad president sends message to Arsenal over Mikel Merino transfer 

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has opened up about Mikel Merino's future amid the player being linked with Arsenal. He admitted that he's hopeful that the Spanish midfielder will stay in San Sebastian.

Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder this summer as they gear up to challenge for the title during the 2024-25 campaign. Reports suggest that the Gunners have Merino high up their shortlist, although they are yet to table an official bid.

While Arsenal remains interested in the midfielder, Aperribay seems to be intent on convincing Merino to stay at Real Sociedad. Speaking about the Spain international's future, he said (via GOAL):

“We are not in any conversation with any club to get any player to leave. We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August. We will try to make the team come out stronger."

"I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ - and then leave. I would like him not to leave. If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now."

He added:

"We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. 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. Whether [it is his release] clause or not, what we think is that the club has to look to the future."

Merino's contract with the club is set to expire in June 2025.

Fabrizio Romano offers transfer update on Arsenal's pursuit of Mikel Merino

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have contacted Merino's camp over a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The journalist claims that Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the midfielder.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said:

“Merino is one of the names they have on the list. In this case, there is no proposal on the table. But there is interest and they made some contact with the player’s side."

“The relationship is also good. Mikel Arteta used to follow Real Sociedad a lot as they have been playing very attractive football in recent years. He knows Mikel Merino very well.”

Mikel Merino enjoyed an impressive campaign for Real Sociedad last season. In 45 appearances across all competitions, he scored eight goals and provided five assists.

The 28-year-old also played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, scoring the match-winner in the quarter-finals against Germany.