According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United are not interested in signing Arsenal’s transfer target Mikel Merino. However, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old central midfielder, providing competition for the Gunners.
Recent reports suggested that Chelsea and Manchester United had joined the race for Merino, who was a key player in Spain’s EURO 2024-winning team. Arsenal is also in pursuit of the midfielder as they search for a replacement for the injury-prone Thomas Partey.
Fabrizio Romano Assures Chelsea & Manchester United Are Not Pursuing Arsenal Target
In his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Romano clarified, stating:
“Mikel Merino – Despite links with Chelsea and Manchester United, I’m only aware of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid’s interest.
“Still, at the moment there has been no official bid to Real Sociedad yet, so let’s see how it goes in the next [few] days. Arsenal’s focus now is on completing the Riccardo Calafiori deal.”
Romano added:
“But in my opinion, Merino would be an excellent signing; quality, consistency, good on [the] international stage, he’s a good opportunity on the market with just one year left on his deal.”
Merino has been playing for Real Sociedad since 2018 after his move from Newcastle United. He has accumulated 242 appearances for the La Liga club, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists. His contract with Sociedad expires in June 2025.
Merino not only has a strong club record but also boasts a EURO 2024 title with Spain. Despite starting only one game in the tournament, he played a crucial role in Spain’s victory over Germany in the quarter-finals.
