Arsenal are advancing in negotiations with Real Sociedad for the signing of Mikel Merino, with final details currently under discussion.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Give Me Sport, Arsenal are in very advanced negotiations for Mikel Merino, with final details apparently being discussed with Real Sociedad. There are still things to be ironed out from both ends, but the 28-year-old Euro 2024 winner is keen to play under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal closing in on Mikel Merino
Real Sociedad are still trying hard to get the best deal possible in the Mikel Merino saga. Only a few days ago, the Spanish side were staring at the prospect of losing three of their top players including Martin Zubimendi, who has since rejected Liverpool to stay in San Sebastian.
Having successfully managed the Zubimendi saga, they are hoping to extract the best deal for the club in the Merino transfer. Real Sociedad want around €35 million or more, which Arsenal are unwilling to pay; instead, they want to wrap the signing under €25 million.
Real Sociedad made a late attempt to offer Merino a new deal, but the player has been clear about his intentions all summer long. He wants to join Mikel Arteta’s squad and take a big step up in his career. The Gunners are confident of wrapping up the deal, although slow negotiations might prevent this before the start of the Premier League campaign.
Fabrizio Romano insists that the negotiations with Real Sociedad are advanced and that the two clubs could reach an agreement soon. He suggests there are still ongoing discussions about payment structures, and overall, Arsenal is putting the final touches to the deal.
Romano said, “Also, with Zubimendi staying at the club, I think Real Sociedad know that Merino has no intention to extend his contract and that selling Merino is probably something that they need to do, also to avoid the possibility of losing him on a free in January for next season.”
“And so the idea is still to try to reach an agreement, to find a way with Arsenal. They are in very advanced conversations, but still waiting for the final touches. And it’s still something important when it’s about payment terms, the structure and all these details.”
Arsenal in a strong position on Merino
Arsenal boss Arteta wanted a midfielder who fit his style and what he seeks from the profile. They see Merino as someone who can slot into multiple roles in the middle, allowing fluidity and unpredictability on this side. Moreover, from Real Sociedad’s perspective, they might be more open to letting the 28-year-old Euro 2024 winner leave now that Martin Zubimendi has rejected Liverpool and will stay at the club.
With Merino already into the final year of his deal, the Gunners are in a strong position to complete the deal. As Romano insisted, he could potentially discuss pre-contract terms with clubs, including Arsenal, in January and leave Real Sociedad as a free agent next summer, something the Spanish side would like to avoid.
