Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that the club are determined to keep hold of Mikel Merino, with Arsenal pursuing a deal for the midfielder this summer.
Arsenal are keen to further strengthen after wrapping up the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori and it’s understood Merino is at the top of the Gunners’ wishlist, with Mikel Arteta’s side on the hunt for midfield reinforcements.
Merino racked up seven goals and four assists for Sociedad across an eye-catching season last term and played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona have also registered a strong interest in Merino but recent reports emanating out of Spain claimed the Catalan giants had given up hope in their battle with Arsenal for the 28-year-old.
Merino has entered into the final year of his contract in San Sebastian and Sociedad must decide whether to cash in on their prized possession this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months time.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Sociedad president Aperribay revealed that Merino had been offered a contract extension which, for the time being, remains unsigned.
‘We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them,’ Aperribay told the Spanish newspaper.
‘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. Try to be stronger every year or every day.
‘You don’t have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you that he wants to take advantage of an opportunity. Daily work makes us stronger.’
Aperribay insists Sociedad have not spoken to rival clubs regarding a possible agreement for the Spain international this summer.
‘We are not in any conversation with any club to get any player to leave,’ he added.
‘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.’
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