One would think that a manager coming out publicly and rubbishing claims he has interest in any player at a club would then kill rumours of his club trying to buy someone from there.

That hasn't been the case with Unai Emery and Real Sociedad. The Aston Villa boss spoke to the Spanish media earlier this summer and made it very clear he doesn't want any player at La Real. It was somewhat personal for the Basque, as he came through as a player there and will likely manage the club before he retires.

Despite all of that, reports over the past week have linked both Arsenal and Aston Villa with Mikel Merino.

The Spanish midfielder is increasingly in demand and has a contract expiring in less than a year. Real Sociedad have made a renewal offer but it's not thought to be enough and therefore a sale is possible. Mundo Deportivo's Basque edition reports Merino could get the 'contract of a lifetime' at Arsenal, and there appears to be worry regarding interest from Mikel Arteta's side.

Aston Villa interest again gets a mention and it's suggested Emery may not have been telling the whole truth when he denied interest in any player at Real Sociedad.

That remains to be seen, but Arsenal looks likelier than Aston Villa at this stage, especially with the latter in the process of signing Amadou Onana.

Interestingly, Barcelona, who were also credited with interest in the Everton player, are thought to be watching the Merino situation.