BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal is close to a major signing as the club president was seen in London. The president is seeking additional funds from Arsenal, but the player has threatened to refuse to train or play unless Mikel Arteta remains with the club.

This summer, Arsenal has made one senior signing by bringing Italian talent Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna to the Emirates Stadium. However, they are on the verge of securing their second major signing, and if everything goes according to plan, it should be finalized soon.

On Friday afternoon, renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of a “world-class” player. The player in question is Mikel Merino, a key midfielder for Real Sociedad, who appears to be on the brink of a move to Arsenal. Merino has been a long-term target for the Gunners, and the negotiations for his transfer are reportedly progressing well.

Romano shared on his social media platform X that Arsenal and Real Sociedad are set to continue discussions over the weekend in a bid to finalize the deal for Merino.

He indicated that negotiations are in the “final stages” after Arsenal made significant strides in talks a couple of weeks ago. The two clubs have nearly agreed on a transfer fee, with only the deal structure and payment terms left to be ironed out.

The ongoing speculation surrounding Merino’s move to Arsenal has been largely positive, with many believing that an agreement will be reached soon. Given that Merino’s contract with Sociedad expires next summer, the Spanish club is likely to sell him during this transfer window to ensure they receive adequate compensation.

Merino, 28, is widely regarded as a “world-class” player and would be a fantastic addition to Arsenal’s squad. His impressive career includes helping Spain to win Euro 2024, the Nations Cup, and two European Championships at the youth level.

Additionally, Merino has enjoyed success at the club level, winning a Spanish Cup with Real Sociedad and a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund, highlighting his quality on both the international and domestic stages.

Regarding his playing style, *The Guardian* recently described Merino as the type of midfielder that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would “create in a lab” if given the opportunity. His tactical intelligence, range of passing, and defensive capabilities make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system.

With optimism surrounding the deal, Arsenal fans eagerly anticipate the official confirmation of Merino’s signing. His arrival could significantly strengthen the Gunners’ midfield, providing the experience and quality needed as they prepare for the upcoming season.