According to media outlet Football Insider, despite the potential departure of Zubimendi to Liverpool, Arsenal remain confident of completing the signing of Mikel Merino, as Real Sociedad will not block the player’s move.
Senior journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed in the latest podcast that even if Zubimendi leaves, Real Sociedad will not prevent Merino from leaving, meaning that the club is prepared for the departures of both key players.
Merino’s contract with the club enters its final year, and he has rejected a contract renewal offer. To avoid the player leaving on a free transfer, the San Sebastian club now wants to sell him. Arsenal and Real Sociedad are in negotiations to reach an agreement, and Arsenal are confident of completing the deal soon.
There were rumors that if Zubimendi moved to Liverpool, Real Sociedad would block the transfer for fear of losing both core players at the same time, but those fears have now been dispelled. According to Football Insider, Liverpool made significant progress in their negotiations for Zubimendi on the 9th. However, this will not affect Arsenal’s deal to sign Merino.
Merino joined Real Sociedad from Newcastle in 2018, making 242 appearances for the club, becoming a key player. Last season, Real Sociedad finished 6th in La Liga, with Merino performing well and also attracting Arsenal’s attention with his impressive performance at the European Championship. The Gunners have doubts about Partey’s fitness, and Jorginho has not become the main No. 6 under Arteta, so Arsenal will do everything they can to ensure Merino’s signing is completed before their opening league game against Wolves on August 17th.
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