Arsenal are leading the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Merino, according to an update from FootballTransfers. Although negotiations between the two clubs have yet to enter an advanced stage, mainly due to the failure to agree on a transfer fee, Arsenal are not expected to encounter too many problems in negotiating Merino's personal terms.
Reports suggest that Merino is interested in joining Arsenal, but the length of his contract is the only obstacle in the negotiations between the two sides. Merino wants to sign a five-year contract to secure his long-term future with the team, while Arsenal are inclined to offer a three-year deal with a one-year extension option. Notably, even if Merino chooses to stay with Real Sociedad, the club is unlikely to meet his demands for a five-year contract.
Despite this disagreement, Merino has expressed a strong interest in Arsenal, putting the Gunners in the lead in the transfer market. Other potential buyers, such as Barcelona and Chelsea, have expressed interest in Merino but have yet to make a concrete move. Barcelona, in particular, have decided not to pursue the midfielder this summer, although they rate Merino highly, given the player's wishes and the realities of the transfer market.
Chelsea, on the other hand, see Merino as a potential replacement for Gallagher, but their interest does not seem to be high enough to compete with Arsenal. Merino has just one year left on his contract with Real Sociedad, which increases his appeal in the transfer market as the potential transfer fee would not be too high.
