Mikel Merino’s past comments on the Premier League could be a huge boost for Arsenal in transfer race

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HITC understands that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are amongst the sides to have approached Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

Arsenal have already been left frustrated in their attempts to sign another Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi is understood to be Mikel Arteta’s top target for the Gunners but we reported a month ago that the club were ready to pivot away from the signing of the midfielder, with there being a belief that the Spaniard would prefer a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

HITC now understands the Gunners have pivoted to Mikel Merino, who is a target that is understood to have had the approval of Arteta.

Merino’s past comments hint at Premier League move

During the formative days of his career, former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez decided to bring Merino to St James’ Park during the 2017-18 season.

However, he only spent one season at the Magpies before eventually moving to Sociedad, where he has since spent his career.

Despite an unsuccessful period for Newcastle, the Spaniard has always been quick to explain the importance of his season in the Premier League, which could be good news for the Gunners.

“With every single game, every single club, every manager, every country and every action, you learn something new”, Merino told iNews.

“It isn’t about age; it’s about experience. It changes your mentality. At a young age you are a sponge. You have your eyes and ears open and you soak up everything without even realising. You do not know what it will be like until you get there, but that’s good.

“At Dortmund and Newcastle, everything was very physical. Not just the matches or the training, but the way the fans live through football. It made everything very intense. But then you learn to be ready for it and you have to live it too.

“If you don’t do that, you risk the experience passing you by. That gave me the tools to be the Mikel Merino you see today.”

Merino could be an excellent signing for the Gunners

Whilst Zubimendi would be Arsenal’s preferred signing, Merino would be a very astute deal for the Gunners to do.

He featured in 32 La Liga games for Sociedad last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists for the club.

Merino netted a vital goal for Spain against Germany in the Quarter-final and will be involved in some capacity in the final against England on Sunday.