Real Madrid didn't want to sign Mikel Merino

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18/10/26 17:30:00

5.25 4.20 1.55

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Mikel Merino, a 30-year-old midfielder from Arsenal, is once again being considered as an option for the upcoming Real Madrid's transfer market to strengthen their midfield. The Spanish player, valued at 25 million euros, has regained prominence after his brace against Croatia, while José Mourinho is considering solutions for the January market.

The Spanish international was previously linked to the white team before joining the London club in 2024. Now, the team's difficulties in controlling games have reignited the debate about his joining, although there is no confirmed offer yet.

Mikel Merino — 45 minutes played vs Croatia 🇭🇷 https://t.co/Q2sjiwu9MU

— ー (@xSeanAFC) October 7, 2026

Mikel Merino, an alternative for Real Madrid's midfield

The name of Mikel Merino has resurfaced following his performances with Spain. The midfielder scored the two goals in the 1-2 victory against Croatia in the Nations League, once again showing his ability to get into scoring positions from deep areas.

His potential inclusion addresses an issue that José Mourinho has yet to resolve. The coach is looking for more balance in the midfield and continues to try different partners for Fede Valverde.

Toni Kroos' retirement and the subsequent departure of Luka Modric left two gaps that the white team has not fully compensated for. Precisely, Miguel Merino, the player's father, acknowledged on Radio Libertad that the club had considered a different profile when his son was still playing at Real Sociedad.

That possibility did not materialize into a definitive negotiation. Merino left San Sebastián in August 2024 after Arsenal paid 33.5 million euros fixed plus five in variables for his signing.

Arsenal has a contract with Merino until 2028

The Spanish international's contractual situation poses a hurdle to any operation. Mikel Merino is under contract with Arsenal until June 2028, with an additional option, and his current valuation on Transfermarkt is at 25 million euros.

His role in London has also evolved. Although he arrived as a midfielder, Mikel Arteta began using him as a forward during the 2024/25 season due to injuries affecting the squad. Real Madrid must sign Mikel Merino due to his outstanding performance with the Spanish National Team.

This transformation allowed him to exploit his heading ability inside the box, but it also led to a loss of continuity in his original position, where he competes with players like Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi.

The player also has a track record of six seasons at Real Sociedad, where he played over 240 LaLiga matches. His experience in the Spanish league is one of the sporting arguments to consider his return.

LaLiga could welcome Mikel Merino back in January

The possibility of returning to Spain will depend on both the needs of the Madrid team and the English club's willingness to negotiate a mid-season departure.

For now, Real Madrid has not publicly made an offer for the midfielder, and there are no known financial conditions for a possible deal.

The next step will be to see if José Mourinho formally requests a reinforcement for January. In that scenario, Mikel Merino could become an option, although Arsenal would need to agree to negotiate his departure before his contract ends in 2028.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid no quiso fichar a Mikel Merino