Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino to become their third signing in the summer transfer window.
Since the Gunners completed the acquisition of Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, Merino has emerged as their primary target. David Raya has also joined on a permanent basis following a productive loan stint in the summer.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal have finally reached an agreement for Merino after many days of talks. The Gunners are set to finalize the deal this weekend, and they will pay a fee of £29.8 million for the winner of Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old will not be in Sociedad’s squad for this weekend’s La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano. But he continues to train with the team while his future is being determined.
The midfield player is in the last year of his San Sebastian contract. And as a result, Arsenal seem to be able to work out a deal that falls well short of his release clause.
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The Spanish star had expressed his desire to move on, and Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal, had flown out to hold discussions. He had spent six years with Sociedad, winning the 2020 Copa del Rey.
Arsenal’s season opens on Saturday against Wolves. And if a deal closes this weekend, Merino might arrive in time for the team’s next matchup against Aston Villa.
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