Arsenal have made it clear to Real Sociedad that they are unwilling to meet their €35 million (£29.8m) asking price for Mikel Merino, according to reports in Spain. Mikel Arteta has made Merino his top target to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield but the Gunners remain in talks with Real Sociedad over a move for the 28-year-old. According to El Diario Vasco, a newspaper based in San Sebastian, Arsenal have not submitted an offer to Real Sociedad for Merino but will not match the €35m (£29.8m) bid that the Basque club have received from Atletico Madrid. The report claims that Arsenal consider Merino’s valuation too high for a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season. #footballfanarena #ffa #arsenal #realsociedad #mikelarteta #atleticomadrid #football