Report: Arsenal could now have a problem with signing Mikel Merino as new demand emerges

Arsenal and Mikel Merino have reportedly ran into an issue ahead of the Spanish international’s rumoured move to north London.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the 28-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder in recent weeks, with the latest reports suggesting that Arsenal are now ahead of the likes of FC Barcelona in the race to sign Merino.

With the north London side ready to pay the £25m to bring Merino to the Emirates Stadium, a deal for the Sociedad star could be announced soon by Arsenal if they can get all of the necessary steps completed in time.

Yet there could be a problem in Arsenal’s move for Merino.

Arsenal and Merino at odds over contract length ahead of £25m transfer

According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal and Merino are not on the same page when it comes to the length of the midfielder’s contract, with the Gunners intending to offer the 28-year-old a three-year deal with a one-year option to extend, whereas the Sociedad star wants five years.

Given Merino’s age and the amount of money Arsenal are paying for the Spanish international, a three-year contract with the option to extend by another year seems like a reasonable offer from the north London side.

Whilst the report states that this issue is likely to be sorted out, Arsenal’s resolve could be tested by Merino’s team over the length of the contract, with a three-year deal the obvious safe play from the Gunners.

However, if Arsenal are to succumb to Merino’s demand, it could paint the north London side as a team who are willing to bow down to players they are interested in signing, a theme that could quickly spin out of control.

Gunners need to have the last say on Merino’s contract

Merino is a player many Gunners will be excited to see in their midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, with the Spanish star playing with the Arsenal captain during the Norwegian’s year-long loan spell with Sociedad.

And with the small detail of the midfielder’s contract length now potentially becoming something, Arsenal need to ensure they have the last say on Merino’s deal to join the north London side.

Indeed, Merino would be a fantastic addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer, and the Gunners have to ensure that they land their man on their terms this window, even if the target in question is proving to be a stubborn one.