Arsenal had two concerns over Mikel Merino before securing his signing during the summer transfer window.
The Spaniard arrived in a deal worth £27.4million and put pen to paper on a four-year contract. Gunners boss was keen to land Merino from Real Sociedad to add a player who combined an attacking threat with the ability to win duels.
Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were deemed not to be the ideal fit for the left side of Arteta’s midfield three, and Arsenal were convinced to land Merino despite their worries. The north London side had reservations over the former Newcastle ace’s age, 28, and the slim likelihood that they would be able to realise a return on their investment in the future, per the Athletic.
Merino saw his start to life at the Emirates interrupted by a shoulder injury and has sporadically been included in Arteta’s starting XI. The Arsenal star believes he is starting to find his way at north London however.
“Everything is beginning to click,” he said last week. “I’m starting to understand everything perfectly.
“I know the rhythms in the team. I’m starting to build a relationship with everyone at a deeper level, which needs time.”
Merino was added to Arsenal’s squad with hope of adding a winners’ mentality to the squad and despite concerns over his resale vale, the club were happy with the fee paid for his services. It was during negotiations over Merino that the Arteta’s side reignited their in his club and international team-mate Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal now appear to have won the race to sign the 25-year-old holding midfielder. The Euro 2024 winner is now expected to join in the summer with Jorginho and Thomas Partey currently set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Zubimendi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in the summer before having a late change of heart. The north London side have now taken advantage and despite being foiled in their attempts to land the star this month, Real Sociedad are likely to do a deal at the end of the season.
Although Zubimendi having a £51million release clause, Arsenal are cannot force a deal this month. The club’s limitations under profit and sustainability rules means the La Liga side will have a decisive role to play in agreeing to the structure of payment terms in a deal.
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