Arsenal and Real Sociedad are nearing a final agreement for the transfer of Mikel Merino. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal is close to securing a €30 million deal to acquire the 28-year-old midfielder, with negotiations advancing to the final stages.
Mikel Arteta has been a key figure in pushing for this transfer, having monitored Merino for some time before initiating this summer’s bid.
The move has the full support of the Arsenal hierarchy, including the board and scouting department, who believe Merino is an ideal fit for the team.
Reports earlier this week indicated that Arsenal had made a verbal offer of €30 million, which Real Sociedad is expected to accept.
Personal terms have already been agreed upon, with Merino eager to join Arsenal and return to the Premier League, where he previously spent a season with Newcastle United.
If all goes as planned, the necessary paperwork for the transfer should be completed by the end of the week, once the payment structure and add-ons are finalized.
Merino has recently been on vacation after participating in Euro 2024 with Spain, where they emerged victorious. His holiday is set to end on Monday, August 5th. Ideally, Arsenal hopes to finalize the deal by then, allowing Merino to join his new teammates rather than returning to Real Sociedad.
This transfer would mark Arsenal’s fifth signing of the summer. The club has already brought in David Raya from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and young goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard.
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