🚨 Mikel Arteta has followed Mikel Merino for years — Arsenal contemplated a move for him last summer when Granit Xhaka left the club. In the winter of 2023, Merino informed Real Sociedad that he dreamt of returning to the Premier League. Right up until the last few weeks, La Real persisted in their attempts to persuade Merino to renew a contract that expired in 2025. They knew, however, that it would be an uphill struggle — especially once Arsenal’s interest became known. La Real were also aware of interest from Atletico Madrid, but the player did NOT entertain it. His focus was on Arsenal. Conversations between Merino & Arteta had persuaded the player that his future lay in North London. [gunnerblog]