“100% Confirmed” – Fabrizio Romano on What He Heard about Arsenal and Mikel Merino

Arsenal is showing a strong interest in signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad this summer.

However, no formal bid or serious negotiations have taken place, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT.

Merino, who played a crucial role for Sociedad last season, helping them secure a Europa League spot, is being considered as a potential partner for Declan Rice in the Arsenal midfield.

Despite the appreciation from Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta, no official offer has been made to the Spanish club.

Reports suggest that a fee of €25 million might be enough to convince Sociedad to sell.

Arsenal Yet to Bid for Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino, praised for his consistent performances, has had an eventful career.

After starting at Osasuna, he moved to Borussia Dortmund but struggled to make an impact there.

His stint at Newcastle United in 2017 also lasted only a year before he found his footing at Real Sociedad in 2018.

At Sociedad, Merino has become one of La Liga’s most reliable box-to-box midfielders, earning 242 appearances and breaking into the Spanish national team.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson has called him an “absolute baller.”

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta sees the 28-year-old as a key addition to complete a midfield trio with Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Yet, Romano clarified that despite the strong interest, there is no concrete bid or negotiation as of now.

“Mikel Arteta was the one who was pushing to have Riccardo Calafiori this summer. So Arteta is having an important influence, obviously, together with Edu (Gaspar) in Arsenal’s strategy.

“So this is the idea also for Mikel Merino, the appreciation is 100% confirmed, but again, we can’t guarantee that it’s going to be him, because at the moment, there is still no bid or concrete negotiation.”

Arsenal Also Eyeing Fabian Ruiz

Arsenal’s focus on strengthening their midfield doesn’t stop at Merino.

The club is also in discussions to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz.

Ruiz, who has seen limited playtime at PSG under manager Luis Enrique, could be available for a transfer.

The arrival of Benfica’s Joao Neves at PSG might further limit Ruiz’s opportunities, making a move to Arsenal a viable option.

With Arsenal looking to bolster their midfield, Merino and Ruiz appear to be top targets.

However, as Romano pointed out, while there’s clear interest and appreciation for Merino, the club has yet to make any formal moves.