Why members of Arsenal hierarchy are uncertain about £25m Mikel Merino deal with transfer for Spain Euro 2024 star not as advanced as first thought - explained

Arsenal have been linked with the 28-year-old for many weeks now but despite rumours of a move to the Emirates, he is still a Real Sociedad player. The midfielder is in the last year of his contract and reportedly can be signed for approximately £25 million ($31.8m). So why haven't Mikel Arteta's men snapped him up yet?

According to Football London, some of the key decision-makers on Arsenal's transfers are 'huge fans' of Merino but others are concerned about his age profile. Under Arteta, the club has tended to sign young, up-and-coming players - with Jorginho (32), and Leandro Trossard (29) notable exceptions. The Spaniard would be seen as a 'here and now' signing, rather than one for the future. But despite the interest, talk of a verbal bid is reportedly wide of the mark; even if contact has been made with the player's representatives.

Last month, Sociedad reportedly offered the 6ft 2in Merino a new contract to stay at the La Liga outfit. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been linked to the former Newcastle United man, but he is said to prefer a move to Arsenal.

Merino's Sociedad side are next in pre-season action against Union Berlin on Friday, before the new La Liga campaign starts on August 18. It is somewhat up in the air as to whether or not he will still be at the Spanish outfit by then.