Mikel Arteta eyeing former Newcastle star - Good news for Toon if Arsenal make move?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are considering a summer move for Mikel Merino; the former Newcastle United star currently at Real Sociedad.

They report that Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the 27-year-old and is keen to bring another midfielder to the club this summer.

Considering Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes - who saw his £100m release clause expire last month - it could be another boost to our hopes of keeping the Brazilian if the Gunners have switched their attentions to Merino.

Merino scored Spain’s late winner in their Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Germany last weekend and could feature tonight as they prepare to take on France for a place in Sunday's final.

The La Liga star enjoyed a brief spell on Tyneside after his loan spell was made permanent in 2017, with the former Dortmund talent completing a €12m move to Real Sociedad six years ago.

It would be a little bittersweet if Merino returned to England to join Arsenal, but it would mean one less club in the mix for our very own star man in midfield.