Arsenal are reportedly closing in on agreeing a deal for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are expected to announce his signing in the next 24 hours.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on agreeing a deal for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are expected to announce his signing in the next 24 hours.
The Gunners’ only significant addition to their first team this summer has been Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna.
Their other notable moves include converting David Raya‘s loan into a permanent transfer from Brentford and securing a few deals to strengthen their academy.
Merino’s omission from La Real’s matchday squad for their 2-1 loss to Real Vallecano on Sunday has only intensified speculation about a potential move to the Emirates Staduim.
During his pre-match press conference before the clash, Imanol Alguacil confirmed that Merino was fit and available but mentioned that “open negotiations” with Arsenal were underway and it seems that the Gunners are now on the verge of securing their man.
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Arsenal on the verge of signing Mikel Merino?
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu is said to have been in Spain over the last few days working with Real Sociedad’s hierarchy over a deal for the Spanish international.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, discussions between the clubs have progressed well and the Gunners are now a day or so away from announcing the confirmation of the 28-year-old midfielder’s signing.
Romano said: “Get ready, guys, because these could be important hours. My feeling, talking to my sources, is that could be something like 24-48 hours, but we are really at the final metres, at the final details of the Mikel Merino deal.
“The here we go to Arsenal is really, really close. We can say almost there.
“They are working on the final steps and then Mikel Merino will be a new Arsenal player. As I told you, there is already an agreement on the final fee, they’re working, it’s already two-three weeks on the payment terms, the deal, structure, the add-ons. So, the details of the deal, but they’re getting closer on everything, even on the details.”
GiveMeSport claim Merino has long been enthusiastic about a move to the Emirates and is “totally convinced” of his role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title this season.
The report adds that there is “optimism” that Arsenal will finalise a £25m deal for Merino’s transfer in the coming days.
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Arteta already planning Merino integration
GMS also report that despite being left out of La Real’s opening match of the season, Merino has been working hard to maintain his fitness levels over the past week.
It is understood that Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta has made specific requests for the training drills he should complete at the Emirates to increase his chances of making an immediate impact if he moves to North London in the coming days.
Sociedad were reportedly looking for around £35m to part ways with the Spanish international but have lowered their asking price to avoid the risk of losing the 28-year-old for free at the end of the season when his current contract ends.
Merino made 45 appearances for the La Liga outfit last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists, and is considered the long-term partner for Declan Rice in the Gunners’ midfield.