Real Sociedad president Aperribay reveals Arsenal's intentions for Merino transfer

The Spanish club are determined to retain the services of Mikel Merino, who clinched victory in Euro 2024.

However, the veteran has a year left on his contract and wants to join Arsenal.

“Mikel already told us that he feels very much like a Real fan, but that if a Premier League team came, he wanted to fulfil his dream. Merino was clear that he didn't want to say he was renewing and then leave," Aperribay said.

“Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn't want to show up showed up. When I was in Japan, Olabe (Roberto, Sporting Director) told me that Arsenal had called. I wish it had been earlier or that they hadn’t called at all.

“We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of Real Sociedad. When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes. We know what Merino's wishes are, so we decided not to call him up."