Arsenal ready to offer 'contract of a lifetime' to Spain star who impressed at Euro 2024

Arsenal are ready to offer a member of Spain's European Championship-winning squad the 'contract of a lifetime', according to reports.

Luis de la Fuente's side capped off an unbeaten Euro 2024 on Sunday night as goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed a well-deserved 2-1 victory over England.

As a result of their fine performances, Spain scooped a trio of individual prizes.

Rodri won the best player award, Dani Olmo scooped the Golden Boot with three goals, and teenager Lamine Yamal, who enjoyed a memorable first major tournament, was crowned best young player.

A host of players impressed for La Roja this summer, including central midfielder Mikel Merino, who featured in all seven of Spain's matches at Euro 2024.

The former Newcastle United man, who made 25 competitive appearances for the Magpies during a year-long spell, also netted a dramatic late winner in their quarter-final win over Germany.

Prior to this summer's tournament, Merino has been a regular fixture for La Liga side Real Sociedad.

In fact, Arsenal have been tracking his progress in recent months and are said to be 'plotting a move' this summer, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo also claim Aston Villa are interested in bringing Merino back to the Premier League but it appears Mikel Arteta is determined to land the midfielder.

In fact, the above reports suggests Merino is 'probably looking at the contract of a lifetime' if he does decide to join the North London club.

If he did sign for Arsenal then Merino would be reunited with former Real Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard, who played alongside the Spaniard during his stint at the club in 2019/20.

The 28-year-old, who has averaged more than 30 appearances per season during his six-year spell in San Sebastian, has one year left on his contract.

Image credit: Getty

Mikel Arteta says the Gunners will try and deliver big signings this summer. “We are looking to improve in every possible department,” he said.

“With the new regulations, there are certain things we have to respect and be conscious of and then obviously the Euros and Copa America are slowing everything down. Hopefully now it is going to pick up a little bit.”