Arsenal receive huge boost in pursuit of midfield star as Arteta strengthens squad for PL title challenge - Reports 

Arsenal could be closing in on Mikel Merino after the midfielder was left out of Real Sociedad's squad for their opening La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano. The Spaniard is heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

The Daily Mail reports that the Gunners are set to make an improved offer of £30 million for Merino. They failed with an initial bid of £21.5 million, but their new proposal is expected to be accepted.

Merino, 28, wasn't named in Imanol's squad for Sociedad's encounter with Rayo Vallecano tomorrow (August 18). Arsenal are edging towards sealing a deal for the 28-cap Spain international.

Imanol confirmed his absence by suggesting talks were advancing over the Spaniard's departure (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):

"I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now."

The former Newcastle United man has impressed at Reale Arena since arriving in July 2018. He was a mainstay in Imanol's side last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 45 games across competitions.

Mikel Arteta has been looking to bolster his midfield this summer and find a replacement for Emile Smith Rowe. The English attacking midfielder left his boyhood club for Fulham last month in a reported £34 million deal.

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Kieran Tierney has told Arsenal they will be signing a 'world-class' player in Mikel Merino

Kieran Tierney played with Merino at Sociedad last season after spending the campaign on loan from Arsenal. The Scottish defender waxed lyrical about the Spaniard, naming him as one of three world-class players at Reale Arena (via football.london):

"You have world-class players like [Martin] Zubimendi, Merino and Brais [Mendez]. It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class."

Merino offers versatility as he can play in central midfield and attacking midfield and has put in shifts on both wings. He has Premier League experience, having previously played for Newcastle but not catching the eye at St James' Park.

The Pamplona-born midfielder made an impact for Spain at Euro 2024 as La Roja reigned supreme in Germany. He was used as an impact sub, and that came to fruition in a 2-1 win against the hosts in the quarterfinals when he bagged an extra-time winner.