Arsenal set to submit opening €30 million bid to sign Barcelona target - Reports

According to a report by Spanish news outlet AS, Arsenal is set to submit a € 30 million bid for Barcelona target Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder is highly sought after following his impressive performances for Real Sociedad and the national team.

Merino was a key part of the La Roja side that claimed glory at Euro 2024, making seven appearances and scoring once en route to claiming a fourth European title.

The Gunners are keen to strengthen their team with the 28-year-old who would be returning to the English top flight after he departed from Newcastle in 2018. Real Sociedad's sporting director Roberto Olabe, insisted the club still hoped to keep Merino at the club this summer, saying (via Football.london):

"We would love for him to continue with us. It's not a question of money. It's a matter of life and that's where everything counts. If that were the case [it was about money], I told you that it is impossible. I don't think Mikel thought about leaving. That wait is not based on 'I want to leave'. We may come to the conclusion that we prefer performance over money at the time. There are several desires at play."

Arsenal hope they can beat Barcelona to the signature of the Spanish midfielder in the coming weeks, with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu keen to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign.

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Barcelona and Arsenal target Mikel Merino speaks on his future

Arsenal and Barcelona target, Mikel Merino refused to make a definitive comment when asked about his future at Euro 2024. The Spaniard is one of the most sought-after players in his position and is expected to move clubs this summer.

Speaking to the press when asked about his future at the European Champions in Germany this summer, the midfielder said via Football.london:

"The next step has to come from within, from me, from analyzing myself, seeing what player I am now, where I am and where I want to go. And what is the way to do it."

"Now at a football level, I still have one more year at Real and I am in the best possible place to live and grow. So when the Euro is over and the days go by, I will meet with the club and my representative, to see what they have to say to me and what they don’t, and we’ll see."

Arsenal and Barcelona are keen to claim their respective domestic league titles in the upcoming season and see Merino as an important part of their plans to do so. With one year left on his contract, he remains likely to leave, with the two clubs keen to bring him into their teams.