Chelsea like the player as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who continues to be linked with Atletico Madrid and, like Merino, is out of contract next summer. The assertion that the European champion is on the verge of signing for Chelsea is not true.

Chelsea is in a battle with Arsenal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The Spanish champion, who is in the last year of his contract, has decided not to sign a new one, leaving Sociedad with limited options. The potential deal is speculated to be around 20 million euros. Last season, Merino played 45 matches for Sociedad, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.