Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino looks set to head to Arsenal after being publicly expelled by his current club manager.
Imanol Alguacil said on Friday at the press conference before the match that Merino “deserves a few words as a farewell.”
“I have thanked him for everything he has given to me, to this team and to this club,” Alguacil said.
Merino helped Spain win this summer’s European Championship. His goal late in extra time secured a 2-1 victory over host nation Germany in the quarter-finals.
A well-rounded attacking midfielder, Merino has been a key player for Real Sociedad after joining the Basque club in 2018. He helped the club win the 2020 Copa del Rey and reach the last 16 of the Champions League last season.
The English and Spanish media have strongly linked him with a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had a brief spell as a player at Real Sociedad and is from San Sebastian, where the club is based in northern Spain.
Arteta refused to discuss the potential signing of Merino when asked about the player at a press conference on Friday.
Merino would add depth to Arsenal’s midfield options ahead of another likely title battle with Manchester City in the Premier League.
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