Mikel Merino's future is becoming more and more clear

Published:17/08/2024 - 21:56h

Updated:17/08/2024 - 21:57h

Mikel Merino's days at Real Sociedad are numbered. The Spanish midfielder will say goodbye to Imanol Alguacil's team to head to the Premier League, after FC Barcelona decided not to sign him

Mikel Merino is close to signing for Premier League side Arsenal. The Spanish player has not been called up for Real Sociedad's La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday 19 August, making it clear that his move to England to play for Mikel Arteta's team could happen in a matter of hours.

This is what Real Sociedad's coach, Imanol Alguacil, said about his decision to leave him out of the match: "During the week we have worked thinking that Merino was going to be with us, but I have decided to leave him out. At the moment, he is with us, he has not left yet. And next week he will be with us. The negotiations? I don't know, I know what he wants, but the market is what it is. And the conversations that are taking place, we don't know where they will lead. He will not be on the field, but he will support us tomorrow."

According to reports in the Spanish press, the English are offering 30 million euros plus five in variables, while the Spaniards are asking for 40 millon euros. However, everything seems to indicate that the deal will be closed in relation to those amounts, which would be less than half of his 65 million euro release clause. His contract ended in June 2025, so it is better to say goodbye to him this summer.

Barcelona's 'abandonment' changed Merino's mind

Initially, Merino was one of Barcelona's main objectives to reinforce the midfield this summer. In fact, the player contacted the club to find out their intentions and would have even prioritized signing for the team from the Ciudad Condal. But the culé board took the option of focusing on reinforcing the forward line and putting Nico Williams and Dani Olmo ahead.

The Spaniard intended to define his future as soon as possible and not wait until the market closes, so he accelerated his transfer to Arsenal. The Barça board were very interested in his services, but they could not offer him any guarantees, something that the Euro champions needed, so this is another missed opportunity for the Blaugrana club.