Real Sociedad head coach Imanol has on Saturday provided an explanation for the absence of star midfielder Mikel Merino from his latest matchday squad.
The name of Spanish international Merino has of course returned to the forefront of the media headlines in a major way across the day to date.
This comes after the 28-year-old’s long-rumoured Anoeta exit appeared to inch another step closer.
Merino has been tipped to bring the Sociedad stint of his career to a close throughout the summer window, amid intense interest in his services on the part of Premier League heavyweights Arsenal.
In therefore turned heads in not only San Sebastian, but north London, too, when the former Newcastle United man was nowhere to be seen in La Real’s squad for the club’s opening fixture of the new campaign.
Speaking to the media in his pre-Rayo Vallecano press conference, the subject of Merino’s whereabouts was in turn put to manager Imanol.
And, in his response, the Spanish tactician all-but confirmed that the all-action midfielder is on the way out:
“I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
