Arsenal sanctioned the signing of Mikel Merino despite harbouring two big concerns about the Spain international. The 28-year-old has endured a difficult start to his Gunners career and has struggled to find a settled place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Arsenal are looking to add more reinforcement to their midfield with the signing of Martin Zubimendi having already added Mikel Merino to their squad during he summer transfer window

Prior to pushing Arsenal to pursue Zubimendi, Arteta encouraged the club to enquire about the availability of his Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who he saw as the perfect fit for the left-eight position.