Arsenal & Liverpool Exclusive: Big Mikel Merino update today

Arsenal are confident of completing a deal to sign Mikel Merino despite Martin Zubimendi’s likely move to Liverpool, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Real Sociedad are prepared to let both players leave, with Zubimendi’s exit unlikely to affect the Gunners’ deal.

Merino has now entered the final year of his contract in Spain and has turned down the offer of a new deal, as the San Sebastian club now expect him to leave.

Talks are ongoing with Arsenal to thrash out an agreement and they are confident of completing the deal soon after receiving the green light from the midfielder.

There had been suggestions that Zubimendi’s proposed move to Liverpool could force Sociedad to put the breaks on an exit for Merino, but those concerns have been squashed.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that the Reds are closing in on a deal to sign the midfielder after new talks took place on Friday (9 August).

Arsenal confident of completing Mikel Merino deal despite Liverpool transfer chase

Merino joined Sociedad from Newcastle in 2018 and has made 242 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a key player in the middle of the park.

Zubimendi, meanwhile, has been at the club for his entire career and progressed through the academy ranks to make 188 appearances for his boyhood club.

Real Sociedad now look like losing both key midfielders to Premier League clubs as talks with both Liverpool and Arsenal continue to progress.

A sixth-placed La Liga finish last year saw both players impress, while their performances for Spain at Euro 2024 inspired interest from England’s elite clubs.

Arsenal’s interest in Merino comes as questions remain about Thomas Partey’s availability, while Jorginho is not trusted to feature as the prominent number six under Mikel Arteta.

They are now pushing to get a deal for the Spaniard over the line before their season begins on 17 August with a clash against Wolves at the Emirates.

In other news, Wolves are plotting a “huge” move to sign Aaron Ramsdale.

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The post Arsenal & Liverpool Exclusive: Big Mikel Merino update today appeared first on Football Insider.