Arsenal receive boost in pursuit of Euro 2024 winner after contract offer rejected
Talks between Arsenal and Real Sociedad over the transfer of Spain Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino are ongoing, talkSPORT understands.
Merino has rejected the offer of a new contract in Society.
The midfielder has been with the Spanish club since 2018 but appears to have his heart set on a move to North London.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta They will hope to make him the second permanent signing of the window, after securing the Italian defender Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Merino starred Euro 2024helping his team to victory with a particularly crucial contribution in the quarter-finals.
With just a few seconds remaining in extra time in that match, substitute Merino became the hero by heading a cross from Dani Olmo into the net and securing victory in the 119th minute.
Spain Then he defeated France and then, memorably, England in the final to lift the Euro 2024 trophy.
But now former Newcastle star Merino could be embarking on a new journey following his exploits on the world stage as it appears he will not commit his future to Real Sociedad.
It comes just days after Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay told a Spanish outlet Sports world that the club was determined to keep him.
“We are aware that Merino has offers and we are aware of them,” said Aperribay.
“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and I hope his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay.
“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real Madrid.”
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“Regardless of whether it is his release clause or not, what we think is that the club has to look to the future. Try to be stronger every year or every day.”
“You don't have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you he wants to take advantage of an opportunity. Daily work makes us stronger.”
He added: “I would like him not to leave. If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we'll see.”
“We are not negotiating with any club at the moment.”
However, it is now known that Arsenal are indeed involved in talks with the La Liga club.
