Arsenal agree £17million deal for the signing of Mikel Merino
Arsenal have ramped up efforts to secure the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad this week after agreeing a deal of £17million plus bonuses for the Spanish international, as per Con Harrison.
Having already made significant acquisitions this summer, including the £42 million signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to further strengthen his squad before the August 30th transfer deadline.
With goalkeeper David Raya also completing a permanent move following a successful loan spell, the Gunners have been focused on reinforcing their midfield, specifically targeting a partner for club-record signing Declan Rice.
It appears Mikel Arteta has finally got his man, with the final details the only thing left to be ironed out before Mikel Merino will travel to London for his medical.
Merino has not been included in Real Sociedad’s squad for their friendly game against Union Berlin which could mean an imminent departure. After rejecting Atlético Madrid, the midfielder’s transfer to Arsenal is now closer than ever. The 28-year-old believes Arsenal are the perfect project for him.
Despite Merino’s recent success with Spain at Euro 2024, the defensive midfielder was only valued at a modest sum of £25million by Real Sociedad due to his contract entering its final 12 months. Edu has negotiated extremely well over the last week or so to get an even better deal for Mikel Arteta’s number one midfield target.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly convinced that Merino’s ball-playing abilities would complement Rice, making him the priority signing as the club aimed to bolster their midfield this month.
