Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Mikel Merino after the latest round of talks, believing that the deal could be closed as soon as tomorrow.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal are very close to finding an agreement for Mikel Merino, as there’s an expectation that the deal could be finalised as soon as tomorrow. Real Sociedad’s president, Jokin Aperribay, is in London to hold talks with Arsenal counterparts and seeks a €40 million price for the 28-year-old ace.
Mikel Merino to Arsenal imminent
The Mikel Merino to Arsenal saga may have run its course and dragged on as much as possible. It has been a long journey for the Gunners to pursue the 28-year-old ace, who has a year left on his Real Sociedad deal, but their president, Jokin Aperribay, has stood firm to the challenges.
After Merino made it clear he wanted to move, which Aperribay confirmed with his recent comments, the Sociedad boss had no option but to negotiate with Arsenal. He rejected a bid worth €30 million plus bonuses for the midfielder and continues to hold out for €40 million, which is potentially an all-inclusive fee.
Merino’s camp have stayed optimistic that an agreement between the club could be sorted at the earliest, and the signs are positive in that regard. Aperribay is in London to discuss the deal with Arsenal counterparts, with Edu Gaspar likely leading the pack in north London.
The report states that talks are going positively, and an agreement could be reached as soon as tomorrow. Whether Arsenal are willing to pay that €40 million asking rate remains to be seen, but Mikel Arteta sees Merino as a priority.
What does Merino bring to this Arsenal side?
Arsenal have not adequately replaced Granit Xhaka since his departure last summer to Bayer Leverkusen, and Arteta did use Kai Havertz in that role. He then began using the German in the No.9 role while shifting Declan Rice in that left-eight role to good effect.
Arteta ideally wants a significant presence in that midfield and a player who can win duels. Merino has both qualities and would bring a different level of physicality to Arsenal’s midfield. His experience will also allow him to play multiple roles if needed, as he’s considered a big piece of the puzzle to finish that midfield setup for the current season.
