Arsenal in talks with Sociedad over midfielder Merino

Arsenal are in talks with Real Sociedad about signing Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, Report informs via BBC.

Merino was part of the Spain team that won Euro 2024 and featured in all seven matches in the tournament, scoring a late winner against Germany in the quarter-final.

The 28-year-old has less than one year remaining on his contract which may help Arsenal to complete a deal, as he would be able to speak to clubs about signing on a free transfer in January.

Merino has previous experience of the Premier League, having spent a year at Newcastle before moving to Spain in 2018, while he played alongside Odegaard in 2019-20 when the Norwegian was on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid.

Merino made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals.