Arsenal ready to offer ‘lifetime contract’ to Euro 2024 winner Merino

Arsenal are reportedly offering a “lifetime contract” to beat Barcelona and Aston Villa to the signing of Real Sociedad playmaker and Spain international Mikel Merino, 28.

The Gunners are looking to adjust their squad this summer with another potential title challenge in mind, having failed to beat Manchester City for the second consecutive season last term. David Raya has joined the team on a permanent basis, while Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is reportedly on his way.

In midfield, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move to north London, but with his release clause having already expired this summer, it appears Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere.

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Arsenal favourites to sign Mikel Merino this summer

According to the Basque edition of Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Arsenal could offer Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino the “deal of a lifetime” to join them this summer.

Aston Villa are also said to be interested in the Spain international, but a move to north London seems more likely than Villa Park at this stage, especially as the latter are trying to sign Amadou Onana from Everton.

Since moving from Newcastle to Real Sociedad six seasons ago, Merino has become one of Spain’s finest midfielders, scoring at Euro 2024 with an iconic header before helping La Roja beat Gareth Southgate’s England in the final in Berlin.

With less than 12 months remaining on his current deal, Sociedad made him a new offer to stay in the Basque Country earlier this summer, but he has yet to commit his future, suggesting he could be on the move this summer.