Mikel Arteta has reportedly taken the lead in Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in an attempt to beat Barcelona to his signature.

The Gunners want to bolster their options in midfield after releasing Mohamed Elneny at the end of his contract. There are also doubts over the long-term future of Thomas Partey and sporting director Edu and manager Arteta are keen to get their business done early.

Merino and his La Real team-mate Martin Zubimendi have emerged as top targets for Arsenal after the summer transfer window opened on June 14. Merino only has one year left on his contract and his club are resigned to losing him this summer, with Arsenal and Barcelona the most likely destinations.

Reports from Spain say that Merino does not want to sign a new contract with Real Sociedad and that a move is therefore very likely, with €25million (£21m) the suggested fee. Merino is currently away on international duty with Spain at Euro 2024 – and played alongside Zubimendi in their 1-0 win over Albania on Monday night – so negotiations could be more difficult.

But Catalan outlet Sport says that Arteta has taken it upon himself to call the 28-year-old and give his pitch personally. The Gunners boss is desperate to land him and has explained the ‘big plans’ he has for him.

Merino enjoyed an outstanding season at Real Sociedad, contributing eight goals and five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He has now won 24 caps for Spain, but is not phased by moving to England, having previously turned out for Newcastle in the 2017/18 campaign.

Arteta himself played for Real Sociedad during his career and there is another connection through Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who excelled in San Sebastian before moving to north London. Merino has emerged as a more likely target than his team-mate Zubimendi, who was born in the city and has spent his entire career with Real Sociedad.

The 25-year-old was courted by Arsenal last summer and has also been linked with Bayern Munich, but he is under contract until June 2027 and isn’t in a rush to leave, especially since Real Sociedad secured a place in next season’s Europa League by finishing sixth in La Liga.

Asked about a potential move away from his club, Zubimendi said: “I can’t tell you because I haven’t thought about it. I feel very loved, by the people I love and, for the moment, I see it far away.

“Does it bother them to ask me about my future? At first yes, but now I already know. I understand. I know how this thing goes about football, markets and journalism. I have to understand it and that’s it.”