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Anchor Declan Rice: Arsenal’s transfer target Mikel Merino has been left out of the squad by Real Sociedad ahead of their La Liga season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The news comes days after Arsenal have deepened their interest in the 28-year-old. According to reports, Arsenal are very close to reaching an agreement with Real Sociedad over the Spanish midfielder with the fee set to be around 30 million pounds after their first bid of 25 million was rejected by the club.

“I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs…and this is the best solution now,” said Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil in the press conference.