Saka has been FAILED! Arsenal didn't protect their 'Starboy'

Salah reigns at Xmas as Liverpool trio send message to FSG

Next Hayes? Inside the FA's bid to produce more women coaches

Culture & Clobber Axis: Yamal's new boots, Rashford & more

I miss Sam Kerr

Greenwood gets Fernandes support after latest Marseille strike

Carragher calls for bans after awful Raya moment against Palace

Amorim wants new Cristiano Ronaldo in Man Utd scouting overhaul

How long is Arsenal star Saka out for & what games will he miss?

Ancelotti makes promise to Endrick after leaving him out again

Mbappe realises Modric has more major titles than his own age🏆

Mbappe back to his best! Striker sparkles as Real Madrid cruise

Greenwood second only to Drogba on Marseille goal list

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Merino starred for Spain at Euro 2024</li><li>Drawing interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona</li><li>Looks to have chosen a move to Premier League</li></ul>

Arsenal handed huge transfer boost as Mikel Merino 'seems to have opted' to move to Emirates instead of making Barcelona move

Premier League

Arsenal

Ipswich

Copa del Rey

Barbastro

Barcelona

<p>The question over Merino's future looks to be nearing a conclusion as reports from <a href="https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-seems-opted-sign-arsenal-growing-assumption-transfer-way/" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a> suggest the Spanish midfielder has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-mikel-merino-transfer-real-sociedad-psg/blt7cbf9b61008510d0" target="_blank">chosen a move to Arsenal over Barcelona</a>. Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on bringing the 28-year-old to the Emirates while new Barca boss Hansi Flick is reportedly a big fan.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Merino would be a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/declan-rice-mikel-merino-arsenal-gunners/blta81725c6bb55c625" target="_blank">significant upgrade for Arsenal's midfield</a> and the maestro choosing the Gunners over Barcelona would also recognise the north London club's progress under their Spanish head coach. Coming to the Premier League may be a big factor in Merino's decision and the promise of a title challenge and Champions League football makes it an appealing proposition.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Merino played 45 times across all competitions last season for Real Sociedad, who finished fifth in LaLiga. The 28-cap international scored eight goals and recorded a further five assists for his club. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Merino will be patiently waiting for a deal to be agreed with Arsenal as the new campaign approaches. Reports across the summer have suggested he is the club's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-make-mikel-merino-top-transfer-target-wrapping-up-riccardo-calafiori-deal-barcelona-target/bltc7b7207a5043f0f2" target="_blank">main midfield target </a>and could cost up to £30million ($38m).</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MERINO?

Arsenal handed huge transfer boost as Mikel Merino 'seems to have opted' to move to Emirates instead of making Barcelona move | Goal.com

Barcelona target Mikel Merino looks to have chosen to sign for Arsenal amid interest from the Spanish giants. 

Arsenal handed huge transfer boost as Mikel Merino &apos;seems to have opted&apos; to move to Emirates instead of making Barcelona move