Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay insists that the Serie A side is determined to keep hold of Mikel Merino this summer despite strong interest from Arsenal.
The Gunners are looking for further reinforcements before the transfer window closes after completing the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford and bringing in Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Merino had an impressive season with Sociedad, scoring seven goals and providing four assists, helping the side secure a Europa League spot for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old also played a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 success, netting a dramatic last-minute winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for the talented midfielder but recent reports suggest that the Catalan club have given up hope in their battle with Arsenal for the 28-year-old.
© Reuters
La Real determined to keep hold of Merino this summer
The Spaniard has entered the final 12 months of his current contract with La Real, putting the club in a position where they either need to lock the player down to a new deal, cash in on him this summer or risk losing the midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the upcoming season.
Recent developments indicate that the Serie A outfit is aiming for the former course of action.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Sociedad president Aperribay revealed that the club are determined to keep hold of their in-demand midfielder and have offered him a new and improved deal.
The report adds that while the new offer is on the table, the 28-year-old has yet to make a decision on whether to accept it.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper, Aperribay revealed: "I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: 'I'm staying' – and then leave.
"I would like him not to leave. If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now."
"We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay."
Merino was on the books of Newcastle United, who sent him on back-to-back loans to Borussia Dortmund before Real Sociedad signed him for a fee of around £10m in June 2018.
© Reuters
Arsenal looking to bring in attacking reinforcements
Having now secured their goalkeeping and defensive targets, Arsenal are expected to turn their attention to bolstering in more attacking areas on the pitch.
In addition to a central midfielder, the Gunners are believed to be looking for a winger and centre forward after Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah managed a combined tally of nine goals last season.
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is rumoured to be of interest to Arsenal after their top target Benjamin Sesko opted to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig earlier this summer.
The 26-year-old forward scored 42 goals in 50 games for Sporting last season, and reports suggest he could be sold for a blockbuster fee before next month's transfer deadline.
Sky Sports Germany also suggest that the Gunners are interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane and are 'watching his situation very closely'.
Devesh Jaganath
