Mikel Arteta Reportedly Targeting Midfield Namesake From La Liga

By The Editor
on 11th July 2024

Mikel Merino is apparently on our list of targets…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield ranks ahead of the new campaign and is eyeing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, is currently at the European Championships with Spain and has been a huge part of their run to the final.

Merino headed home the winner in extra-time against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals and is often the first off the bench when the former European champions look to sure things up.

Arteta’s desire to add another midfielder is linked to the career-ark of Kai Havertz, who exploded as a centre-forward in the second half of last season.

The manager’s plan to play Havertz in the ‘left-eight’ role hasn’t worked and his transition to the forward-line means we have a gaping, Granit Xhaka-sized hole in our midfield.

With just 12 months left on his contract and given the lack of re-sale value, a deal for Merino wouldn’t be one that significantly eats into our budget.

However, it remains to be seen if Merino has any desire to leave San Sebastian – especially following a rather unsuccessful loan spell at Newcastle United in 2017.

Players from the Basque region tend to want to stay at home – though if there is someone who’s able to convince Merino it would be his namesake Arteta.

It’s not hard to see why Arteta would want to add Merino to his ranks – he is technically gifted and a physically imposing midfielder. Merino topped the stats across Europe’s top-seven leagues for ‘duels won’ – racking up 326 last campaign.

Mikel Merino was the only player in Europe’s top seven leagues to win 300+ duels during the 2023/24 season.

Call him Yu-Gi. 🤺 pic.twitter.com/V00vgJ0IMW

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 31, 2024