Sociedad send message to Arsenal over Merino transfer as Gunners target Man City fan favourite

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay insists the Spanish club are determined to keep Mikel Merino amid strong interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners have completed two signings so far this summer with the permanent arrival of David Raya from Brentford, after he spent last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium, and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori joining from Bologna.

But Arsenal are not done there this summer with Mikel Arteta desperate to bring in a new midfielder to compliment his current squad and Real Sociedad’s Merino has emerged as their top target in recent weeks.

There…