Arsenal’s top target for this summer, Mikel Merino would prefer to stay in Spain, El Desmarque reports.
The Gunners are battling Barcelona for the Spain international, who plays for Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield options with Merino.
Arsenal is believed to be impressed with Merino’s ability and physicality.
The 28-year-old scored the dramatic last-gasp winner against Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Merino, who has a release clause of €60million with just one year left on his current deal, is currently considering his next move.
While Arsenal have the financial muscle to make the deal happen, he would however prefer to remain in LaLiga with the project at Barcelona appealing to him most.