After spending the prior season on loan at St. James' Park, Merino joined the La Liga club for approximately £10 million at the beginning of the 2018–19 season.
With five goals and three assists in 32 league appearances, the 28-year-old was a notable player for La Real last term. His efforts helped the side qualify for the Europa League in the upcoming season.
After earning a spot on Luis de la Fuente's victorious Spain squad at Euro 2024, he was instrumental in the tournament's quarterfinal victory over host Germany, scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
Rumor has it that Arteta and Arsenal's sporting director Edu are enormous fans of the Spanish midfielder. However, this week has significantly affected their ambitions of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Mikel Merino transfer: Arsenal's first offer turned down
As reported by The Independent, the Gunners made an initial approach of approximately £25 million to officially indicate their interest in Merino.
However, La Real quickly turned down the offer because it did not match their valuation of the player.
According to the source, the La Liga club is aiming for a transfer fee of around £35 million for the 28-year-old, even though he is entering the last year of his contract with Reale Arena.
However, negotiations between the two teams still need to be completed; Edu is reportedly in Spain, attempting to finalize a deal with Sociedad.
After turning down a contract extension with the Basque club, Merino is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League and work with Arteta.
Reportedly, the Spanish international has already discussed the possibility of a transfer with the Gunners and agreed on personal conditions.
It is also thought that officials from Merino have informed the chiefs of La Real of their client's intentions to leave this summer in conversations with those leaders.
His Real Sociedad contract is ending, putting the club in a difficult position: they could have to down their asking price to keep the midfielder or let him leave for free after the following season.
Before the transfer deadline, Arteta is looking for further reinforcements.
The summer transfer market got off to a slow start for Arsenal. Still, things have picked up steam lately, with last month's confirmation of Riccardo Calafiori's arrival being the first official announcement.
It is said that the Gunners are considering adding a new center forward and a wide midfielder to their roster before the transfer window closes. Earlier in the window, they also made David Raya's move permanent.
The club's interest in Nico Williams, a Merino countryman, has waned ever since Williams made it clear that he wants to play in La Liga this season, despite reports to the contrary.
Even though Williams has become Barcelona's top transfer target, Athletic Bilbao is doing all it can to hold on to him, including giving him the starting shirt for the next season.
Eddie Nketiah's future appears to be away from North London, so Arsenal are reportedly in continual contact with Viktor Gyokeres, a striker for Sporting Lisbon, to find a successor.
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