Arsenal still working to sign Mikel Merino after first bid rejected

Real Sociedad want fee of around £30m for the player.

STILL KEEN: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany. Pic: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Arsenal are prepared to be patient in their pursuit of Mikel Merino after their initial offer for the Spain midfielder was rejected by Real Sociedad.

Talks between Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, and the Spanish club are continuing after Sociedad turned down a first formal bid believed to be worth €25m (£21.4m).