Arsenal now looking to bring former Newcastle star back to Premier League after six year absence

Arsenal are looking at options to bolster their midfield and now it looks like they have a fan-favourite former Magpie in their sights.

Newcastle World are saying that reports from Spain are suggesting that Arsenal could look to bring Mikel Merino back to the Premier League this summer.

The 28-year-old left Newcastle in 2018 after an all too brief stint at St James' Park, returning to his native Spain with Real Sociedad where he still plays.

Currently representing his country at Euro 2024, Merino says Newcastle still holds a place in his heart, and indeed the fans have often called for his return.

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Merino's time on Tyneside was all too brief

A back injury hampered his brief time at Newcastle which was cut short after struggling to break into the first team on a regular basis. There were also reports that Merino was feeling homesick and jumped at the chance to return to Spain.

Older and wiser now, Arsenal are hoping they can lure him back to the Premier League in a £25million deal.

It would be great to see Merino back in England, but preferably in a Newcastle kit rather than Arsenal.

Arsenal's interest confirms what Newcastle fans always said

As things stand, however, there's no real room for Merino in Newcastle's side with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock backed up by Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson, centre-midfield is pretty well covered.

The fact that Merino is being tracked by Arsenal shows what Newcastle fans knew all along - that Merino is a top player.

It may have taken a bit longer than expected for him to grow into the star he is now, but it was never in doubt from the flashes we saw during his spell on Tyneside.