Real Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that the club are still negotiating the future of Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino with Arsenal. The 28-year-old was left out of the team for Real Sociedad`s 2-1 opening day defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano and when asked about his absence, Aperribay admitted the club had taken the decision "that Mikel wouldn`t be in the squad, because he wishes to leave." 

Merino is in the last year of his contract with the San Sebastian-based club and Aperribay says he doesn`t want to sign a new deal, reports Xinhua.