Arsenal have found a breakthrough in negotiations and have agreed to a €37 million deal to sign priority midfield target Mikel Merino.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino. The two clubs were locked in talks to find an understanding, and the Gunners will now pay €37 million, including add-ons, for the 28-year-old midfield target.
Arsenal agree on Mikel Merino’s fee
Arsenal fans will attest the Mikel Merino transfer saga felt like the longest they have experienced in a long time. The midfielder was considered a target for Mikel Arteta since the Euros ended, and it’s been over a month since the tournament ended.
The Gunners are understood to have held lengthy talks with Real Sociedad and their president, Jokin Aperribay. The Spaniards rejected an earlier offer understood in the region of €30 million, as they held for a fee close to €40 million for the midfielder with a year left on his deal.
Merino’s camp had stayed optimistic over the move as talks advanced between the two parties. Merino had reportedly informed Aperribay of his desire to join Arsenal and may have even rejected opportunities from elsewhere, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid interested in the 28-year-old.
Reports suggested a move could be agreed on Thursday, which has materialised, as Arsenal have now agreed to pay a fee of €37 million, including bonuses. The Gunners will shell out €32 million in fixed costs and €5 million in add-ons as Sociedad has agreed on favourable payment terms.
Merino a crucial part of Arteta’s plans
Merino brings something different to this Arsenal midfield that they have missed since the departure of Granit Xhaka last summer. The 28-year-old Spaniard has the propensity to win duels, as he was ranked first in Europe’s top five leagues in that metric. He also offers tremendous height and brings physicality to a massive Gunners midfield.
His ability to play the box-to-box role and defensive alertness make him a key component of how Arteta wants his midfielders to play. With Arsenal targetting another season where they challenge for the Premier League title, players like Merino can realistically help them over the line in a game of marginal gains.
