Arsenal ‘line up shock transfer for Spain Euro 2024 hero’ after epic semi-final win over France
ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Spain star Mikel Merino.
The midfielder has impressed at Euro 2024 as the Spanish have reached the final.
Merino, 28, has made six appearances in the tournament in the heart of Luis de la Fuente’s midfield.
He proved to be the hero in Spain‘s quarter-final win over Germany.
He scored in the 119th minute to give his side a dramatic 2-1 win over the host nation.
Merino then recreated the celebration that his father, Miguel, performed in the same stadium more than three decades ago.
The Athletic have now reported that the Merino is of interest to the Gunners.
The Real Sociedad star has an admirer in his name sake Mikel Arteta.
The report does suggest that the midfielder is slightly older than the Gunners’ usual targets having turned 28 in June.
However, the club has shown a willingness to move for more experienced players in the past such as Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.
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Merino does have experience playing in England as he was at Newcastle between 2017 and 2018.
His time at St James’ Park was short-lived as he only made 24 appearances in the Premier League, scoring once.
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He joined Sociedad in 2018 and has gone on to become a regular in the first team.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have seen a £50,000 offer to Wolves for Dan Bentley rejected.
The goalkeeper is wanted at the club to take up the third-choice spot behind David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.
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