Real Sociedad 'aware' Arsenal transfer target Mikel Merino 'has offers on the table' as club president admits Spain Euro 2024 star could leave

The Gunners have long been linked with Merino, but no formal bid has yet been made for the 28-year-old. With his contract at Real Sociedad nearing its end, other top clubs like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have also shown interest in acquiring his services.

Despite the mounting interest from prominent clubs, Real Sociedad are keen on retaining Merino. The club has already presented a new contract to the midfielder, hoping to convince him to stay in San Sebastián but the player has not shown any inclination to sign on the dotted line.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has revealed that he is "aware" Merino has received offers, but insisted that the club won't let him go without a fight.

“We are not in any conversation with any club to get any player to leave,” Aperribay said.

“We knew that the summer was going to be long and that is how it is going to be, we are going to manage [it] during August. We will try to make the team come out stronger. I think that Merino has been honest with Real Sociedad during the last year, if he has not renewed it is because he did not want to tell the fans: ‘I’m staying’ - and then leave. I would like him not to leave.

"If he tells us that he likes any of the offers he has on the table, we will see. We are not negotiating with any club now. We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them. The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully, 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. Whether [it is his release] clause or not, what we think is that the club has to look to the future."

Last season, Merino played a pivotal role for Real Sociedad, appearing in 45 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. This has prompted Arsenal to submit an incredible deal for the player which he could find difficult to turn down after entering the final year of his contract.

The situation surrounding Merino’s future is poised to be a major talking point throughout the remainder of the transfer window. However, for the time being, Merino is away from the hustle and bustle of the transfer market and is recharging himself after helping Spain to the 2024 European Championship crown in Germany. His return for pre-season training is imminent, but it remains uncertain whether he will continue with Real Sociedad in the upcoming season.