Former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino could be on the move this summer.
The 28-year-old has had a summer to remember, helping Spain win Euro 2024. He came off the bench during the 2-1 final win over England that saw Kieran Trippier remain on the bench. Anthony Gordon was also an unused substitute for the Three Lions.
Newcastle United‘s England players ended their tournament with heartbreak, while it was jubilation for the former Magpies on the opposite team. Merino, Ayoze Perez and Joselu are now champions of Europe with Spain, which was hard to imagine when they were all playing at St James’ Park together for the Magpies.
Arsenal linked with signing Mikel Merino
Now Merino could potentially be on his way back to England, six years after Newcastle United sold him to Real Sociedad.
It was recently reported that Merino is a target for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta aims to beef up his squad and challenge for the Premier League title once again.
Bringing Merino in from Real Sociedad would certainly be a positive move from the Gunners, and a deal would be met with envious glances from Newcastle United supporters. Toon fans adored Merino, and they will be even more envious when they see how much he could cost.
How much Mikel Merino could cost this summer
According to the Telegraph, Mikel Merino could be available for £20million this summer.
That is because he is entering the final year of his current contract with Real Sociedad, and the Telegraph add that Arsenal are ‘plotting’ a move for the Euro 2024 winner.
That is a pretty cheap fee for a player as talented as Merino, who Newcastle sold for around £10million in 2018. Even that was a bargain deal, but the Magpies were slightly powerless due to a release clause in his contract.
Newcastle return not on the cards for Merino
If Newcastle wanted to, they could bring Merino back to St James’ Park and give him a second chance to wear the famous black and white stripes.
At £20million, he would be a relatively reasonable addition to a midfield that already consists of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
And those names are the reason why Newcastle will not be looking to bring Merino back to the club. While he is extremely talented and affordable, the Magpies have plenty of options in the middle of the park.
Instead, Newcastle’s £100million transfer budget will go elsewhere, with Paul Mitchell planning to bring in a winger, striker and centre-back.
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