Mikel Merino, the Real Sociedad midfielder, is rumored to be the target for Arsenal, but the proposed move has hit a snag due to concerns over his age. Last week, reports suggested that Arsenal was close to sealing a €30m deal for the 28-year-old, a player whom Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing to the Emirates.
Although no formal bid has been made to Sociedad, it was believed that a verbal agreement was imminent, with Merino already having agreed to personal terms with Arsenal. However, recent updates on the potential transfer have been scarce, with reports indicating that Arsenal has yet to make an official offer to Sociedad. Despite this, the two clubs have a good relationship following Kieran Tierney‘s loan spell in La Liga last season, raising hopes of a smooth negotiation process.
According to football.london, some members of Arsenal’s hierarchy have reservations about signing Merino due to his age. At 28, he is considered to be in his prime, which has prompted doubts within the club about the potential deal. However, the report also mentions that Arsenal has only made initial contact with Merino’s representatives and that he is just one of several midfield options being considered by Arteta and Edu.
Despite the concerns raised by some at Arsenal, there is still support for signing Merino, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He was instrumental in their success, scoring crucial goals and providing assists throughout the tournament. Additionally, his impressive performances for Real Sociedad have garnered attention, with 27 goals and 30 assists in 242 appearances for the club.
The question remains whether Arsenal should be worried about Merino’s age. While he may be older than most of the club’s recent signings, his experience and recent form suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the squad. Aging midfielders like Jorginho and Thomas Partey have proven their worth to Arteta, showing that age should not be a deterrent when considering a player’s potential impact on the team.
