Premier League heavyweights Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign 28-year-old Spanish international Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad this summer.
According to an update by Spanish journalist Roberto Gomez on Radio MARCA, Mikel Merino is the subject of interest from Chelsea.
The Blues are the latest club to join the battle for the Spanish midfielder’s signature in the summer transfer window.
In addition, the Real Sociedad midfielder will likely move to the Premier League in the coming weeks.
The rise and rise of Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has gone from strength to strength since joining Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in July 2018.
The Spaniard struggled to break into his national side or find a stable footing at the club level before returning to his homeland half a dozen years ago.
However, he has not looked back since July 2018.
The 28-year-old has turned out nearly 250 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with 27 goals and 30 assists.
In addition, Merino was instrumental in Spain returning to the summit of European football by winning the UEFA Euro 2024 title earlier this month,
The Spanish midfielder faces an uncertain future at the club level after entering the final 12 months of his contract with Real Sociedad. Such a situation has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Chelsea joining the race to secure Mikel Merino’s services in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Mikel Merino is surprising. The Blues have been keen on bolstering multiple positions in the summer transfer window, and they need to reinforce their defense and attack. However, the West London club’s midfield department does not need more additions unless they offload a few players.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has already bolstered the Chelsea midfield. So, unless the Blues loan or sell a couple of midfielders, signing another midfielder is not sensible. Nevertheless, Merino has emerged as a target for Chelsea, with the 28-year-old Spaniard close to moving to the Premier League.
It is unclear if the move to the Premier League will come by joining Chelsea or if one of his other suitors, like Arsenal, can secure Mikel Merino’s services. However, it will not be surprising to see the UEFA Euro 2024 winner arrive in England in a few weeks.