Arsenal will reportedly offer a "contract of a lifetime" to beat Barcelona and Aston Villa to the signature of 28-year-old Real Sociedad playmaker and Spain international Mikel Merino.
The Gunners are looking to make adjustments to their squad this summer ahead of another potential title bid, after falling short to Manchester City for the second straight season last time out. David Raya has joined permanently, while Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is said to be on the way.
In midfield, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move to north London, but with his release clause having expired already this summer, it seems Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere.
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Arsenal frontrunners to sign Mikel Merino this summer
According to Mundo Deportivo's Basque edition via Sport Witness, Arsenal are to offer Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino the "contract of a lifetime" to join them this summer.
Aston Villa are said to be interested in the Spanish international too, but a North London move looks likelier than Villa Park at this stage, especially with the latter in the process of trying to sign Amadou Onana from Everton.
Since leaving Newcastle for Real Sociedad six season ago, Merino has developed into one of Spain's best midfielders, scoring at Euro 2024 with a trademark bullet header before helping La Roja beat Gareth Southgate's England in the final in Berlin.
With less than 12 months left on his current contract, Sociedad made him a new offer to remain in the Basque Country earlier this summer, but he has yet to commit his future, hinting he could be on the move this summer.
